MK Tali Gottlieb Calls Knesset Swearing-In Day a 'Day of Shame'

Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb of the Otzma Yehudit party sharply criticized the swearing-in ceremony of the 26th Knesset on Tuesday, stating she does not view it as a celebratory occasion. In an interview with Srugim reporter Shir Levi, Gottlieb expressed her opposition to the presence of Arab members of Knesset, whom she referred to as "terrorist supporters."

Gottlieb declared, "I simply do not see this as a holiday, and I refuse this hypocritical game where 19 terrorist supporters are sworn into the Knesset. I will call this a holiday? This is not a holiday." She clarified that her feelings stem from her objection to the swearing-in of these members, rather than personal disappointment or anger.

She also directed criticism at the Supreme Court (Bagatz), stating, "This is a day where, under the auspices of the Supreme Court, the law preventing terrorist supporters from being here is being enacted." When asked about her planned actions, Gottlieb alluded to her past opposition activities, saying, "Imagine what I will do when I am in the opposition."

Gottlieb also affirmed her pride in joining the Otzma Yehudit party, contrasting its approach with her former party, the Likud. "Otzma Yehudit has always said: the discourse is the State of the Jewish People, without bowing your head, without apologizing for it," she stated. She concluded by saying, "The moment you apologize for your existence, you lose."