Knesset Turns Raucous Over Katz Appointment

• CrossFireArabia
• November 8, 2024

Members of the Israeli opposition and the ruling right-wing coalition government exchanged insults and curses, Thursday, during the swearing-in ceremony of Yisrael Katz as Minister of Defense, succeeding Yoav Galant, who was dismissed by the occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Knesset approved new government appointments in a rare session as Yisrael Katz was appointed Minister of Defense, and Gideon Sa’ar as Foreign Minister. This is in addition to the appointment of Ze’ev Elkin as a minister.

According to the English Jerusalem Post, the session witnessed the exchange of insults and attacks between Knesset members from all parties.

Ultimately, opposition members left the Knesset hall in protest of Galant’s dismissal, which was met with severe criticism and protests in Israel.

During Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s speech against the opposition, opposition leader Yair Lapid shouted at him, describing him as “poison, and a draft evader.”

While Likud MK Tali Gottlieb attacked Galant on social media after news of his dismissal broke out, she supported Netanyahu’s choice.

In total, 58 MKs supported the new appointments without protest, while the opposition walked out of the session in protest at Galant’s dismissal.

Netanyahu justified Galant’s dismissal, Tuesday, by citing a breakdown in trust, while his statements were said to be shaky and weak.

Galant has repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and has also called for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into military service.

This has angered Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox and far-right coalition partners, on whom he relies.