Former Knesset Speaker Reubin Rivlin’s 2003 Warning Resonates Ahead of Israel’s 26th Knesset Elections
As Israel approaches the October 27, 2026 elections for the 26th Knesset, reflections on parliamentary conduct have resurfaced, notably the 2003 admonition by Reubin Rivlin, then Speaker of the 16th Knesset. Rivlin’s call to voters to elect better representatives gains renewed relevance amid concerns over the deteriorating decorum and democratic norms witnessed in the outgoing 25th Knesset.
The 25th Knesset was marked by unprecedented levels of verbal abuse, personal insults, and attacks on key institutions such as the Supreme Court and its president, as well as on legal advisors to the government and parliamentary committees. This hostile environment severely damaged the Knesset’s standing as the "House of the People." Additionally, there were attempts to dismiss senior parliamentary watchdogs and repeated declarations of intent to defy Supreme Court rulings. Hasty and improper legislative processes, unethical behavior by some members, and outright bullying further eroded parliamentary standards.
A recent report by the Israel Democracy Institute, authored by researchers Anat Tahoun Ashkenazi and Dafni Benbenisti, described the 25th Knesset’s operations as a "multi-front assault" that significantly undermined the system of checks and balances, showing blatant disregard for parliamentary norms and constitutional duties.
Rivlin’s earlier reflections, including his painful recollection of the "night of disgrace" involving double voting and the police’s intervention during the approval of the disengagement plan, underscore the gravity of the situation. When asked in 2003 about the public message amid such parliamentary failures, Rivlin urged voters to "choose better" representatives, warning that "one rotten apple can spoil the whole crate."
As political parties finalize their candidate lists for the upcoming elections, Rivlin’s advice remains a poignant reminder for the electorate to prioritize quality and integrity in their choices to restore the Knesset’s dignity and democratic function.
