Skip to main content

New Israeli Knesset Prepares for Political Battle

Plenty of hugs and kisses were exchanged on the first day of the newly sworn-in Knesset, yet the gaiety will be short lived as the battles will soon commence, writes Mazal Mualem.
Members of the 19th Knesset, the new Israeli parliament, stand as President Shimon Peres arrives to their swearing-in ceremony in Jerusalem February 5, 2013. REUTERS/Uriel Sinai/Pool (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3DDXN
Read in 

Many young faces — that's what gets your attention when you look at the 120 Knesset Members who, jubilant and excited, took their seats at the plenary hall on the first day of the 19th Knesset. Accompanied by their children, parents, spouses and grandparents, the newly-elect Knesset Members arrived at the parliament, where they hugged, kissed, shook hands and swore allegiance to the Knesset. 

Here they are, Stav Shaffir and Itzik Shmuli, the heroes of last year's social protest. She is 27 years old, the youngest Knesset member, in a lovely dress. He is 32, wearing a suit and tie. A year and a half after becoming icons of the social protest, they are being sworn in as Knesset Members on the Labor Party ticket. At the moment it seems that they will serve from the opposition, as will Hilik Bar and Michal Biran from their faction, also both new Knesset members in their thirties.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.