Chaos Erupts in Knesset Committee Meeting; MKs Removed
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Knesset's Arrangements Committee meeting descended into chaos on Wednesday, with sharp disputes between coalition and opposition members. Chairman MK Roi Folkman removed three MKs, Tali Gottlieb, Almog Cohen, and Erez Tadmor, amid the turmoil. Heated exchanges included accusations of supporting terrorism and personal insults, leading to threats of boycotts and appeals to the Ethics Committee. The committee was established the day prior.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Knesset Arrangements Committee meeting dissolved into chaos with sharp disputes between lawmakers.
- Chairman MK Roi Folkman removed MKs Tali Gottlieb, Almog Cohen, and Erez Tadmor from the session.
- MKs exchanged accusations of terrorism support, personal insults, and criticized past government policies.
- Arab MKs threatened to leave the committee after being called "terror supporters" by right-wing MKs.
- The committee's establishment was approved the previous day by a vote of 63 to 50.
The Knesset's Arrangements Committee convened for its first meeting of the 26th Knesset on Wednesday, but the session quickly devolved into sharp exchanges between coalition and opposition lawmakers. Committee Chairman MK Roi Folkman repeatedly attempted to restore order amidst escalating disruptions and confrontations.
During the heated session, Folkman removed three Members of Knesset from the hall: Tali Gottlieb, Almog Cohen, and Erez Tadmor. Earlier, MK Ahmad Tibi had demanded Gottlieb's removal. MK Yinon Azulai of Shas criticized Folkman's handling of the meeting, stating, "I must tell you that you failed in your first discussion." Folkman himself acknowledged the chaos, remarking, "Everyone is making clips for TikTok here. These are not campaign videos."
A notable clash occurred between MK Erez Tadmor and MK Naama Lazimi, with Tadmor calling Lazimi a "chicken" and saying she "screams like a chicken." Lazimi retorted, "Weapons thieves will not disgrace women," further fueling the commotion.
MK Yitzhak Goldknopf intervened, advising the members, "Silence is the limit of wisdom." Meanwhile, MK Efrat Reiten of the Democrats criticized the previous government's policy towards Hamas, stating, "After October 7th, Hamas still rules Gaza. You already surrendered before October 7th and after October 7th. What a disgrace." She also referenced the "Hamas is an asset" policy and funds transferred to the Gaza Strip.
Tensions also rose concerning Arab lawmakers, who were called "terror supporters" by some right-wing MKs. The Arab MKs threatened to leave the committee and not vote with the change bloc, partly due to the committee chairman's lack of condemnation. MK Ofir Katz of Likud announced his party would appeal to the Ethics Committee over Tibi's threat to remove Likud members from the committee, accusing Arab MKs of supporting terrorism.
The committee's establishment was approved by the plenum the previous day with a 63-50 vote. Separately, MK Avigdor Lieberman is set to chair the interim Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
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