Israel's 26th Knesset Sworn In Amid Protests
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Israel's 26th Knesset was sworn in today in Jerusalem, with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Speaker Amir Ohana in attendance. The ceremony included military honors for the president and the oath-taking of 120 lawmakers. Right-wing groups protested outside parliament, voicing concerns over potential political alliances. Security forces were on high alert for the day's events.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's 26th Knesset convened and swore in 120 lawmakers in Jerusalem.
- President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the ceremony.
- Right-wing groups protested outside the Knesset against potential political alliances.
- Security forces were on high alert for the day's events and demonstrations.
- The Knesset visitor center will now feature robotic guides named "Mr. Weil" and "Mrs. Chagall."
The 26th Knesset, Israel's parliament, convened for its inaugural session in Jerusalem today, marking the official start of its term with the swearing-in of 120 lawmakers. The ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and incoming Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana. The day's proceedings began early with lawmakers being welcomed and presented with flowers. Official photographs were taken for parliamentary records and identification. The visitor center will also feature two new robotic guides, "Mr. Weil" and "Mrs. Chagall," to assist visitors.
President Herzog received a formal military welcome in the afternoon, including an escort, a ceremony by the parliamentary guard, and a performance by the IDF orchestra. He laid wreaths at memorials for fallen soldiers and terror victims before signing the presidential book, a tradition where heads of state leave a message for the new Knesset.
The main swearing-in ceremony commenced at 4 PM, with families and government officials present. After President Herzog officially opened the session and delivered a speech, he handed over the gavel to Speaker Ohana, who would also take his oath. The Knesset Secretary, Dan Marzuk, then called each of the 120 members to take their oath, responding "I pledge."
Following the oaths, party leaders posed for a group photo. Both Ohana and Netanyahu were scheduled to address the assembly, with singer Harel Skaat providing musical accompaniment. The event concluded with a toast to the new legislative period.
Preparations for the day included an orientation for the newly elected parliamentarians on legislative processes and parliamentary procedures. Meanwhile, several right-wing organizations, including Im Tirtzu, the "Mothers' March," and "Reservists Generation of Victory," planned a protest outside the Knesset. Their stated grievance was the potential reliance on votes from "Hamas supporters" for political decisions, seemingly referencing the influence of Arab parties.
Knesset security forces were on high alert for an intensive operation, anticipating the official ceremony and the planned demonstration.
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