Knesset Swearing-In Marked by Disruptions and Political Clashes

The 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, with 120 members taking the oath of allegiance, including 46 new MKs. The ceremony was punctuated by political confrontations and unusual moments. New MK Elisha Madan, who lost his legs in Gaza, received a standing ovation and applause from the plenum. However, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett interrupted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, questioning why a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events had not been established and why Qatar had not been declared an enemy state. Bennett also demanded to know about Netanyahu's Qatari advisors. In response, Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Bennett, asking if he was aligning with the Joint List. Sara Netanyahu also reportedly shouted at Bennett, leading to a heated exchange.

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, walked out during Netanyahu's speech, in which the Prime Minister criticized Arab Knesset members. Netanyahu stated, "There are those in this house who for some reason think there is a big difference between the supposedly 'moderate' Ra'am and the 'extreme' Joint List. The only difference is that they disagree on which state will be established here on the ruins of the Jewish state."

During the singing of "Hatikvah" (The Hope), the Israeli national anthem, several Arab MKs left the plenum. MKs Mansour Abbas and Yaakov Asher stood during the anthem but did not sing. Earlier, during the swearing-in, Yousef Jabareen, Chairman of the Joint List, was challenged by Itamar Ben-Gvir, who asked, "To whom is he pledging allegiance? To Hamas?" Additionally, MK Gilad Kariv of the Democrats reportedly left during the speech of outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, claiming Ohana was using the speech for political purposes.