Knesset Swearing-In Marked by Disruptions and Political Clashes
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The 26th Knesset's swearing-in ceremony was marked by political clashes and unusual events. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett interrupted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech with pointed questions about the October 7th attacks and Qatar. Several Arab MKs walked out during the national anthem, and new MK Elisha Madan, who lost his legs in Gaza, received a standing ovation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former PM Naftali Bennett interrupted PM Netanyahu's speech during the Knesset swearing-in.
- New MK Elisha Madan, who lost his legs in Gaza, received a standing ovation.
- Several Arab MKs walked out of the plenum during the singing of "Hatikvah."
- Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized Arab MKs in his speech, drawing a walkout from Yair Golan.
- MK Itamar Ben-Gvir heckled an Arab MK and criticized Naftali Bennett.
- 120 members, including 46 new MKs, were sworn into the 26th Knesset.
The 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, with 120 members taking their oath of allegiance, including 46 new MKs. The ceremony was punctuated by several notable incidents and political confrontations. New MK Elisha Madan, who lost his legs in combat in Gaza, received a standing ovation and applause from the plenum.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett interrupted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, questioning his approach to the October 7th attacks and Qatar's role. Bennett asked, "What about a state commission of inquiry? Why aren't you declaring Qatar an enemy state? What about your Qatari advisors?" This exchange led to shouting between Bennett and Sara Netanyahu, with MK Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticizing Bennett for associating with Arab parties.
During Netanyahu's address, he criticized Arab Knesset members, stating, "There are those in this house who for some reason think there is a big difference between the supposedly 'moderate' Ra'am and the 'extreme' Joint List. The only difference is that they disagree on which state will rise here on the ruins of the Jewish state." MK Yair Golan walked out during Netanyahu's speech.
Several Arab MKs left the plenum during the singing of "Hatikvah," Israel's national anthem, at the end of the ceremony. MK Yousef Jabareen was heckled by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir during his oath, with Ben-Gvir questioning his allegiance. MK Gilad Kariv also walked out during the outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana's speech, alleging it was used for political purposes.
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