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Sarah Netanyahu and former PM Bennett clash in Knesset, exposing Israel’s political rifts
A clash broke out between Sarah Netanyahu and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during a commemorative photo ceremony for faction leaders after the 26th Knesset was sworn in. Bennett repeatedly interrupted Netanyahu’s speech, reflecting the sharp political divisions in Israel after the election and the stalled efforts to form a government.
The opening session of Israel’s 26th Knesset turned into a public dispute that extended to the family of the interim prime minister. Footage broadcast by the Knesset Channel showed a clash between Sarah Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during Netanyahu’s speech in the plenum’s Chagall Hall after the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.
The Times of Israel reported that the footage showed Bennett arguing with Sarah Netanyahu as he repeatedly interrupted her husband’s speech. Ynet said Sarah Netanyahu intervened and smiled at Bennett while he was shouting. Neither outlet reported the words exchanged between the two.
The footage shows Bennett turning and speaking angrily toward Sarah Netanyahu, who was seated among the audience, before the camera shifts to Netanyahu on the platform as he continues his speech.
“Why doesn’t Qatar get declared an enemy state?”
Bennett interrupted Netanyahu’s speech at least twice. When Netanyahu spoke about Arab parties, Bennett shouted: “What about your Qatari advisers? What about the investigation into October 7?” When Netanyahu said that foreign influence on the election results should be investigated fully, Bennett shouted again: “Why doesn’t Qatar get declared an enemy state?” Ynet reported.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to Bennett: “You want to sit with the Joint List and you’re talking?” Likud faction leader Ofir Katz said: “Investigate it with your Taibi and Abbas.”
A divided chamber
The disorder was not limited to Bennett. Democratic Party leader Yair Golan and members of his party walked out in protest, while lawmaker Gilad Kariv shouted at Netanyahu: “How much money did you receive from Qatar?” Ynet reported that he was removed from the chamber.
The scenes came amid a sharp political crisis following the October 27 election. Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot was tasked with forming the government, while Netanyahu called for a “national unity government” and attacked the Arab parties that supported his rival’s nomination. After the speech, Eisenkot ordered the cancellation of a scheduled negotiating meeting between his party and Likud, describing the speech as “divisive.”
Video: Knesset Channel. Photos: Flash 90
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