Arab Lawmakers Walk Out During Israeli Anthem, Sparking Knesset Outcry

The swearing-in ceremony for Israel's 26th Knesset was disrupted Tuesday when several Arab party lawmakers walked out of the plenum as the national anthem, "Hatikva," was played. The departure, occurring after all 120 parliamentarians took their oaths, immediately drew sharp criticism from right-wing lawmakers. They questioned parties opposing Benjamin Netanyahu about their willingness to form a government with the support of Arab parties. While most members of the Joint List and Ra'am left, Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas remained standing during the anthem, though he did not sing. Yoav Segalovitz, a Jewish MK from Ra'am, and Yaakov Asher, an Orthodox MK, also stood without singing. Israeli media reported the walkouts happened just before or at the start of "Hatikva," leading to protests in the chamber. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and MK Amihai Eliyahu confronted lawmakers from Gadi Eisenkot's bloc, asking, "Where are your partners?" referencing ongoing coalition negotiations that could depend on the 19 Arab MKs. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman also reacted on X, questioning the potential coalition partners. Tensions had flared earlier when Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen was taking his oath. Ben Gvir interrupted him, asking, "To whom is he swearing allegiance? To Hamas?" Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana intervened to restore order, warning of expulsion for disruptions. Earlier, MK Gilad Kariv had also left the plenum to protest Ohana's speech, which accused certain parties of defaming Israeli soldiers and challenging Jewish legitimacy. The incident highlights the contentious role of Arab parties in coalition talks, with Netanyahu opposing any coalition reliant on parties he accuses of supporting terrorism, while Eisenkot seeks a parliamentary majority. The 19 Arab MKs could be decisive in forming the next government, even without direct participation.