Fight in ‘Israeli’ parliament over bill on ICRC access to detainees

Tensions in the ‘Israeli’ Knesset on Monday escalated into a physical confrontation between Coalition Chairman MK Ofir Katz (Likud) and MK Ayman Odeh, leader of the Hadash-Ta'al party.

The incident occurred during a heated debate on legislation that sought to prohibit the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian detainees, including those alleged to be “terrorists”, held in ‘Israeli’ prisons.

La loi qui empêcherait la Croix-Rouge de visiter les terroristes de Noukhba est tombée

Le président de la coalition Ophir Katz et Ayman Odeh se sont affrontés physiquement en séance plénière.
Katz : « Tu es ici pour servir les terroristes contre le peuple d'Israël. Terroriste !… pic.twitter.com/RvQ4ix6Ivb

— Dav (@dav214840) June 29, 2026

The proposed bill aimed to restrict ICRC access to certain inmates, particularly those allegedly linked to high-profile operations such as the Nukhba operatives from Hamas.

The measure failed in its first reading after Haredi parties, despite expressing support, withheld their votes pending linkage to other legislation, including military draft-related bills scheduled for Wednesday.

During the debate, MK Katz accused MK Odeh of serving the interests of "Nukhba terrorists" against ‘Israelis’.

Odeh responded by labeling Katz a "Judeo-Nazi," prompting Katz to retort that Odeh was a "terrorist." Knesset ushers intervened to separate the two lawmakers amid the escalating exchange.

Other coalition members, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, MK Tali Gottlieb, and MK Zvi Sukkot, joined the verbal clashes with Arab MKs, further intensifying the atmosphere in the plenum.

The fight once again shows ongoing challenges in ‘Israeli’ parliamentary discourse, particularly regarding Arab representation and policies toward Palestinian detainees.

MK Odeh represents a significant voice for Arab citizens and has frequently advocated for equality and an end to occupation.