In a scandalous video, Likud Knesset member Oren Hazan confronted Arab Knesset member Jamal Zahalka (Joint List) in the Knesset’s press area Jan. 22. Hazan is seen using derisive language and crude gestures to prevent Zahalka from giving an interview. The recorded incident caused a stir across social networks. Hazan hurled verbal abuse at Zahalka: “Terrorist,” “nobody,” “criminal” and “floor rag” were just some of his choice terms. “We’ll throw you out of here! Your hands are stained with Jewish blood! Jerusalem is ours and will always be ours! We’ll let you pick weeds at best!” When the Knesset guard tried to remove him, Hazan started shouting at them too: “Why are you protecting him?”

The video documents some of the worst behavior ever seen in the Knesset. It seems obvious that Hazan planned his provocation and, as far as he is concerned, it was a huge success. Not only did he prevent Zahalka from being interviewed, he also won precious airtime — over five minutes, an eternity on television — on all TV channels on the same day that US Vice President Mike Pence addressed the Knesset. As if all that weren't enough for Hazan, he also posted the video on Facebook for his 110,000 followers.

Hazan’s horrific spectacle may have gone a step too far. On Jan. 31, the Knesset’s ethics committee decided to impose a dramatic and rarely used sanction. Hazan was suspended from debates in the Knesset’s plenum and committees for half a year and was docked a week of pay. The severe and unusual punishment that he received was the ethics committee's attempt to deal with a Knesset member who has turned the legislative body into a reality show, breaking all norms, crossing every boundary and ignoring long-established codes of conduct. In another example, in December, Hazan boarded a bus carrying the families of security detainees from the Gaza Strip and cursed them out in the harshest terms, calling them “insects” and “dogs.”

The Knesset always had its share of provocateurs. They were there in more formal times and are certainly present in the current Knesset, where squabbles and fights are a weekly occurrence. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Hazan is an undisputed master of the art.