Amir Ohana. Photo: Dani Shem Tov, spokeswoman for the Knesset
After the Almog Cohen storm: Amir Ohana clarifies procedures
Bentzi Robin, knitted news
22.02.23 | 18:25
Following the uproar surrounding Almog Cohen’s video, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana sent a letter to MKs in which he clarified the procedures and emphasized that it is forbidden to take videos from the Knesset plenum or transmit live broadcasts on social networks
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana issued a clarification letter to all Knesset members this evening (Wednesday), in which it was stated that it is prohibited to take videos and/or live broadcasts (live) to social networks from the Knesset plenum. Knesset members who wish to receive videos of what is happening in the plenum can contact the Knesset channel requesting to receive this type of documentation.
“As you know, section 41 of the Knesset’s bylaws prohibits having a conversation on a cell phone in the Knesset plenum. It is a matter of fact that it is forbidden to use the phone to take videos and/or broadcast live to the various social networks,” Ohana said. “The words are not meant to take a short photo of a still image (for example of the voting board) that do not interfere with the conduct of the plenum and are not meant to disparage the Knesset or any of its members.”
It was further clarified that “as long as there is a request to deviate from what is stated in this letter, a permit for this must be requested from the chairman of the yeshiva, and this will be subject to his discretion. My deputies and I will make sure that the aforementioned instructions are followed, certainly in cases where the cell phone is used to significantly disturb the Knesset session or to disturb other Knesset members who are in the plenary hall.”
Ohana’s letter comes against the background of the storm surrounding MK Almog Cohen’s video, which was broadcast live from the vote in the Knesset plenum on the first part of the legal reform. During the video, Cohen focused on a number of Knesset members, insulted them and called them derogatory names.
For example, Cohen recorded himself calling Knesset member Ofer Kasif “uskot” towards him, and making the sounds of herding sheep with his mouth. After that, Cohen turned to Aryeh Deri who was sitting near him and said to him: “You see? When you talk to them in their language, they understand you. Like a lamb, that’s how you should talk to them. I don’t tell him to be quiet in Hebrew because he doesn’t understand Hebrew.”