Knesset's First Session Marked by Heated Debates on Social Issues

The 26th Knesset convened for its inaugural session on Wednesday, featuring maiden speeches from new members and intense exchanges over national unity, Haredi conscription, racism, and the government's treatment of various societal groups. The session is expected to vote on the formation of a steering committee responsible for organizing the Knesset's work during the transition period until permanent committees are established. This committee will prepare proposals for the composition and factional representation of the Knesset's committees based on the new balance of power.

During the session, MK Michal Rozin criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, calling it "a speech of horrors" and accusing the government of violating statehood. She emphasized the need for national unity following the October 7th attacks, the "most terrible day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust," and stated that societal attacks are politically motivated. MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism condemned what he described as a "disgraceful spectacle of boundless hypocrisy" and a "relentless incitement campaign" against the Haredi community, particularly concerning the conscription issue. He accused media outlets and "professional inciters" of using derogatory terms and falsely labeling the Haredi public as draft dodgers, while noting a perceived shift in media tone following the recent political changes.

An altercation arose when MK Ahmed Darawshe began his speech with an Arabic greeting, asserting the right to speak Arabic as a basic freedom. MK Tali Gottlieb repeatedly interrupted him, demanding he speak Hebrew. Darawshe accused the "government of failure and incitement" of fueling racism that extended to workplaces and public spaces, particularly targeting Arab youth for using their language. He proposed legislation to increase penalties for racist attacks and provide compensation to victims. MK Naama Lazimi addressed calls for unity, stating it cannot come at the expense of oppressing or normalizing racism. She engaged in a heated exchange with MK Almog Cohen, who questioned her stance on unity in relation to Hamas, and with Eli Goldschmidt, whom she accused of betraying the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin.

MK Yaffa Tabbaja, in her first speech, criticized the government's handling of Ethiopian immigrants, citing a lack of representation, delays in immigration, and disrespect towards the community's spiritual leadership. She questioned Netanyahu's commitment to the community, particularly after the Sigd holiday, and accused the government of dragging its feet on immigration and failing to provide adequate support for Ethiopian students. Tabbaja also highlighted the symbolic recognition of the community's spiritual leaders and the inability of Kes (spiritual leaders) to perform marriage ceremonies. She urged the Prime Minister to increase efforts, potentially involving the Shin Bet, to locate a missing Ethiopian Israeli girl.