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Tensions flared during the swearing-in ceremony of Israel’s newly elected parliament on Tuesday after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made provocative remarks targeting Arab lawmakers.
The incident occurred at the inaugural session of the 26th Knesset in Jerusalem, where all 120 newly elected members took their oaths of allegiance.
When Yousef Jabareen, leader of the Arab-majority Joint List, responded with the required words, “I commit”, Ben-Gvir interrupted him, shouting: “Who is he pledging allegiance to, Hamas?”
The remark triggered a commotion inside the parliamentary chamber, prompting Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to intervene.
He warned lawmakers that anyone disrupting the proceedings again would be removed from the chamber without further warning.
Earlier, Ben-Gvir had accused the 19 lawmakers from Arab-led parties of supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, claiming they posed a threat to Israel. He also called for them to be removed from parliament.
The confrontation came amid growing political tensions over the possible role of Arab parties in forming Israel’s next government.
The Joint List and Ra’am won a combined 19 seats in the October 27 election, giving Arab-led parties significant influence in the formation of a new governing coalition.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, several lawmakers from Arab-led parties left the parliamentary chamber as Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, was played, triggering further exchanges among lawmakers.
The new parliament convened amid uncertainty over government formation. Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot is seeking to build a governing coalition, while outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc lacks a parliamentary majority.
President Isaac Herzog urged lawmakers to prioritise national unity, compromise and political stability, warning against another election.