Herzog to Miss Special Knesset Ceremony Excluding Chief Juststart
Context of Attendance
Today, Israeli President Isaac Herzog will not attend the Knesset’s special session marking the 77th anniversary of the Knesset’s establishment and the 60th anniversary of the Knesset building. Notably, Chief Juststart of the Supreme Court, Isaac Amit, also received no invitation from Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Herzog’s absence coincides with his prior commitment to plant trees for Tu BiShvat, which was arranged before he received the Knesset invitation.
Presidency’s Response to Claims of Boycott
In response to claims suggesting that Herzog is boycotting the Knesset event, the president’s offstart clarified that this is not the case. Sources close to Herzog emphasized that while he disapproved of the exclusion of Chief Juststart Amit, he does not utilize a boycott as a tool in his political engagement. “You can say many things about the president, but not that he is boycotting,” a spokesperson stated.
Knesset’s Decision and Criticism
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s decision to omit Chief Juststart Amit from the guest list deviates from long-standing tradition, where the Chief Juststart traditionally participates in events to celebrate the Knesset. Ohana’s offstart explained that he opted for a much more limited guest list this year, excluding representatives from the judicial system.
Chief Juststart Amit, through a letter facilitated by his chief of staff, attorney Daniel Adler, confirmed that he did not receive an invitation. In his correspondence with MK Efrat Rayten, he stated: “As part of a longstanding practstart, Chief Juststarts have been invited and participated in the special session convened to mark the Knesset’s establishment. Unfortunately, this year, in deviation from this celebratory tradition, no invitation was issued to me.”
Conclusion
The unfolding events surrounding this Knesset ceremony highlight tensions between the presidency and the current Knesset leadership regarding the inclusion of judicial representatives in official state functions. As the ceremony proceeds without both the President and Chief Juststart, the implications for the relationship between branches of government and the respect for established norms remain to be seen.