Knesset Erupts as Speaker Ohana Refers to Supreme Court President as 'Judge'

Knesset Winter Session Opens Amidst Judicial Tensions

The opening of the Knesset's winter session on Monday, October 20, 2025, was immediately plunged into controversy following remarks by Speaker Amir Ohana. The incident, which saw opposition lawmakers removed from the plenum, highlighted the ongoing and deeply divisive struggle between Israel's government and its judiciary. The session, a significant event in the Israeli political calendar, quickly devolved into a heated exchange over the proper recognition of the Supreme Court's leadership.

Speaker's Introduction Sparks Outrage

The uproar began when Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of the Likud party, introduced Supreme Court President Isaac Amit not by his full title, but simply as a 'judge' or 'justice.' This deliberate omission of Amit's presidential title was immediately perceived by the opposition as a provocative slight. The move is understood within the context of a prolonged dispute over judicial authority and appointments, particularly following Justice Minister Yariv Levin's previous opposition to Amit's ascension to the presidency. Levin had notably boycotted Amit's swearing-in ceremony in February 2025, and Ohana himself had excluded Amit from a recent address by former US President Donald Trump to the Knesset.

Opposition MKs Removed Amidst Protests

The Speaker's remarks triggered an immediate and vocal backlash from opposition Members of Knesset (MKs). Several lawmakers interrupted Ohana's speech with shouts and boos. In response to their persistent objections, MKs Gilad Kariv of The Democrats and Naor Shiri, along with Meirav Cohen of Yesh Atid, were forcibly removed from the plenum. Following his removal, Kariv stated that Ohana was 'trampling the honor of the Knesset, the honor of the judicial system, and the honor of Israeli society as a whole.' Opposition Leader Yair Lapid further criticized Ohana, accusing him of 'weakening the State of Israel' and leading the country back to 'division and destructive rupture.'

President Herzog Intervenes, Ohana Defends Actions

In a notable intervention, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who spoke after the initial commotion, deliberately referred to Isaac Amit by his full title, 'President of the Supreme Court,' a gesture that drew applause from the opposition. Herzog expressed strong disapproval of the incident, stating he would 'not accept basic disrespect' and that his 'heart is bleeding' over the lack of courtesy shown to the judicial branch. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later acknowledged Amit's title but also emphasized the authority of the legislative and executive branches. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, however, supported Ohana, claiming Amit had 'appointed himself by force' and was not legally the president.

For his part, Speaker Amir Ohana defended his actions by criticizing the judicial system, alleging it was 'trampling the Knesset and harming democracy.' He asserted that voters' democratic power was 'being eroded…because of the conduct of the judicial system,' and emphasized a desire for 'the rule of law, not the rule of jurists,' arguing that the judiciary operates 'without checks and balances.'