'Don’t interrupt, it’s a shame!' - Shouting match between Arab MK, 'bereaved families' halts Knesset debate on death penalty law over October 7 attack

"Israeli lawmakers suspended a heated Knesset session on Monday after 'bereaved families' heckled Palestinian-Israeli lawmaker Ahmad Tibi’s speech during a debate on legislation linked to the prosecution of militants involved in the October 7 attack on Israel. Footage shows the legislation undergoing its second and final readings in parliament when tensions erupted in the chamber. Families of victims killed in the Hamas-led attack attended the session and repeatedly interrupted Tibi as he voiced his objections to the bill. "Over 100 Arab citizens have been murdered in criminal violence by crime organisations, and the Israeli police can eradicate this crime, but it is not doing so,” Tibi said during the session. As the interruptions escalated, the MK presiding over the session appealed for calm. "These are bereaved families, we respect them," he said while urging them not to disrupt proceedings. Tibi pushed back against the hecklers, saying bereaved families "must comply with the regulations," adding: "I too am a bereaved family member." The argument escalated further and the session was temporarily suspended 'to calm tempers'. The bill, which was scheduled for its second and then final vote in the Knesset on Monday, would grant authorities the power to impose the death penalty and hold public trials for Hamas militants involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel."

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