Three MKs ejected as Knesset committee erupts in chaos

The chaos during the session (Photo: Knesset Channel)

The Arrangements Committee of the 26th Knesset convened Wednesday for its first session, but the meeting quickly devolved into a series of sharp confrontations between coalition and opposition members. Committee chairman MK Roi Folkman repeatedly attempted to restore order to the chamber, but faced constant disruptions and escalating clashes throughout the session.

During the debate, Folkman ejected three MKs from the chamber: Tali Gotliv, Almog Cohen and Erez Tadmor. Earlier, MK Ahmad Tibi had demanded that Folkman remove Gotliv as well. MK Yinon Azoulay of Shas criticized Folkman's handling of the session, telling him: "I have to tell you that you failed in your first debate."

Even Folkman acknowledged during the tumult: "Everyone here is doing bits for TikTok. These aren't campaign videos."

One of the most prominent confrontations developed between MK Erez Tadmor and MK Naama Lazimi. Tadmor called Lazimi a "chicken" and said she was "screaming like a chicken." Lazimi responded: "Weapons thieves won't humiliate women." The exchange led to further uproar in the chamber.

MK Yitzhak Goldknopf also intervened in the heated atmosphere, telling his fellow MKs: "A fence for wisdom is silence."

Meanwhile, MK Efrat Rayten of the Democrats attacked the previous government's policy toward Hamas, saying: "After October 7th, Hamas still controls Gaza. You already surrendered before October 7th and after October 7th. What a disgrace." Rayten also referenced the "Hamas is an asset" policy and the funds transferred to the Strip.

Tensions also intensified around the Arab MKs. After right-wing MKs called them "terror supporters," the Arab members threatened to abandon the committee and refuse to vote alongside the opposition bloc. This came partly in response to the absence of condemnation from committee chairman Folkman.

MK Ofir Katz announced that Likud intends to file a complaint with the Ethics Committee following Ahmad Tibi's remarks: "We intend to approach the Ethics Committee following Ahmad Tibi's threat to remove Likud members from the committee." During the confrontation, Katz claimed it was undemocratic to allow him to speak, and accused the Arab MKs of supporting terror.

As the session continued, Folkman kept trying to impose order on the committee, but the confrontations persisted.

Otzma Yehudit responded in a statement: "There is no limit to the disgrace: the terror supporters in the Knesset completely control the left-wing bloc and dictate its agenda, and to remove the courageous MK Tali Gotliv from the chamber only because she told the truth. It is shameful to see how an entire bloc surrenders to the blackmail of Ahmad Tibi and his colleagues and becomes hostage in their hands just for a seat."

The session took place one day after the Knesset plenum approved the establishment of the Arrangements Committee by a majority of 63 to 50 opposed. According to the committee's decision, MK Avigdor Liberman will serve as chairman of the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.