Capitol Rerun: Warnings of a Right-Wing Attempt to Disrupt the Knesset Inauguration

168 former Israeli security officials warned of a possible attempt by up to 1,500 right-wing activists, some armed, to disrupt the inauguration of the 26th Knesset on Tuesday and prevent the replacement of its speaker, Amir Ohana. The police and Shin Bet have prepared a special security plan, amid fears of violent clashes between supporters of different political camps, in a scenario reminiscent of the 2021 Capitol riot.

Former Israeli security officials warned of a possible attempt by up to 1,500 right-wing activists, some of whom may be armed, to disrupt the inauguration ceremony of the 26th Knesset, scheduled for next Tuesday, and prevent the replacement of its current speaker, Amir Ohana. According to the newspaper Maariv, the police and the General Security Service (Shin Bet), in coordination with the Knesset Guard, have prepared a special security plan to deal with the possibility of obstructing the inauguration ceremony. Members of the "Shield of Democracy" forum, which includes 168 former chiefs of staff of the military, police, Mossad, and Shin Bet, as well as retired officials from these agencies, sent a warning letter about the potential threats. The letter stated that "public discussions on social networks indicate an intention by parties opposing the replacement of the Knesset speaker to reach the building on inauguration day and prevent Knesset members and their families from entering," and that these parties "are encouraging tens of thousands of citizens who support their position to come and assist them in carrying out the mission." In response, they warned of counter-calls to gather in front of the Knesset to ensure the entry of elected Knesset members, which could lead to violent clashes between supporters of different political camps, in a scenario likened to the storming of the Capitol (U.S. Congress) in 2021.