Israeli MK Pindrus Sparks Police Complaint After Threatening MK Lazimi in Knesset Education Committee

A routine session of the Knesset Education Committee on Monday escalated into a heated confrontation when MK Yitzhak Pindrus of the Degel HaTorah party directed a severe threat at MK Naama Lazimi from the Democratic camp. The dispute arose during a discussion on gender segregation in academia, where Pindrus publicly called for shooting Lazimi in the legs, igniting immediate outrage and accusations of incitement to violence.

The incident began when MK Adi Azuz from Yesh Atid challenged Pindrus on his past statement advocating shooting anyone who blocks roads in the legs, questioning whether this applied to coalition member Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, who recently participated in a car protest blocking Route 1. Instead of addressing the question, Pindrus deflected by targeting Lazimi, saying, "Start with Naama Lazimi," which was interpreted as a call to shoot her.

Lazimi, visibly shaken and a mother, demanded the session be halted, condemning the incitement and stating, "I am a mother and will not tolerate such wishes against me." She subsequently filed an official police complaint for incitement to violence, highlighting previous threats she received from other politicians. On social media, she condemned the "full incitement" and vowed not to be intimidated, asserting that her political camp would prevail.

Democratic Party leader Yair Golan strongly defended Lazimi, labeling Pindrus's remarks as clear incitement to violence and emphasizing her past efforts defending families of hostages and protesters. This episode adds to a series of recent intense clashes in Knesset committees, including prior disputes involving Lazimi and members of the ultra-Orthodox parties. The incident raises concerns about the increasing extremity in political discourse within the Knesset and the challenges facing committee operations amid such tensions.

The Knesset Ethics Committee has previously sanctioned members for inappropriate conduct, and Lazimi herself was suspended for two days after participating in a protest involving road blockage and bonfires. Further updates on the situation are expected.