Israeli Parliament Ejects Citizen Over Pro-Legal Adviser Shirt During Contentious Judiciary Debate

A rare confrontation occurred in the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Sunday morning when a citizen wearing a shirt supporting Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara was forcibly removed. The shirt bore the slogan "Gali Protects Israel," which coalition members deemed a political protest and a violation of Knesset rules prohibiting demonstrations during official sessions. Committee chairman Simcha Rothman ordered the Knesset Guard to remove the individual immediately, emphasizing that public order and parliamentary regulations do not allow such expressions during committee meetings.

The incident took place amid a heated debate on two controversial bills: one proposing to split the Attorney General's role, and another aiming to limit and restructure prosecutorial and advisory powers in Israel. These proposals have sparked loud disputes between opposition and coalition members. The Attorney General's deputies united in opposition, warning that the bills could undermine Israel's international legitimacy, especially during wartime.

The removal of the citizen drew criticism from opposition members and journalists, who accused the Knesset Guard of silencing dissent. Journalist Ben Caspit tweeted that the Guard had become a tool for undermining democracy, while Yaki Edmeker defended the Guard's actions, citing parliamentary procedures. This episode follows other recent clashes in the committee, including the ejection of Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon for criticizing the bills as extreme threats to the rule of law.

Chairman Rothman announced that a first reading vote on the bills would take place in the Knesset plenum. The legislative push reflects ongoing tensions between the government and the Attorney General's office and marks a significant attempt to alter the balance of power within Israel's judicial system.