Jerusalem: The Israeli Knesset opened its winter session Monday in a stormy meeting marked by opposition protests, the forced removal of several lawmakers by security, and multiple interruptions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech.
According to Anadolu Agency, Speaker Amir Ohana began the session by attacking the judicial system, prompting large protests from opposition members. Ohana criticized the judiciary's disregard for Knesset decisions, arguing that it undermines Israeli democracy. He asserted that elected representatives should not be nullified and emphasized the return of sovereignty to the public through the electoral process.
Tensions between the Supreme Court and the current Israeli government have been escalating due to attempts to limit judicial authority. Ruling coalition parties have expressed dissatisfaction with the court for overturning Knesset legislation, viewing such actions as undermining the will of elected officials. Ohana's remarks reinforced a call for judicial reform, a contentious issue that had previously sparked widespread protests earlier in 2023, before the Israeli war on Gaza.
During the session, Ohana notably refused to address Supreme Court Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit by his full title, referring to him merely as 'judge,' a move that drew protests from opposition lawmakers. Security personnel were compelled to remove several members, including Gilad Kariv from the opposition, as reported by Maariv.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Speaker Ohana, labeling him as the 'head of half the Knesset,' representing only the government parties. Lapid also described Netanyahu's government as 'sick' and renewed calls for a formal inquiry into the attacks of October 7, 2023.
President Isaac Herzog expressed concern over the treatment of the judiciary, emphasizing the need for distinguishing between legitimate debate and encroachment on other authorities and human dignity. He personally welcomed Chief Justice Amit while urging clarification on these issues.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing repeated interruptions during his speech, acknowledged Amit as the Supreme Court chief but reiterated his own authority as prime minister. Netanyahu defended delays in finalizing a Gaza ceasefire, asserting that Hamas had not been ready for such an agreement earlier. He reaffirmed efforts to recover hostages, calling it a 'sacred mission.'
The ceasefire, influenced by domestic and US pressure, came into effect on October 10, halting hostilities in Gaza and facilitating a prisoner exchange. Families of Israeli captives had accused Netanyahu of extending the conflict for political reasons, catering to extremist allies advocating continued warfare.
Speculation surrounds the current Knesset winter session, which may be its last. Israeli state media reports suggest Netanyahu's intention to advance general elections to June 2026, ahead of the originally scheduled date in November.