Shama Rules
I have always had a soft spot for the hysterical quality of debate which can happen in the Israeli Knesset. This Ynet News piece is a perfect example of the entertainment quality of Knesset watching.
Drama at the plenum. Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta’al) was removed from the Knesset plenum podium by ushers Wednesday after refusing to leave the platform and end his speech, despite repeated demands from Deputy Knesset Speaker MK Carmel Shama.
MK Tibi was speaking regarding the Arab MKs’ visit in Libya. Shama instructed him to conclude and said, “Your time is up,” to which he replied, “My time will be up when God decides so.” The MK claimed he wasn’t finished speaking and the two argued for several minutes.
Later on Tibi addressed Shama again and said, “You are terrorizing me now” and Shama responded, “Terror doesn’t usually come from our side.” Tibi described the statement as “low.” When MK Alex Miller (Yisrael Beiteinu) approached the podium, Tibi became furious and shouted, “They brought someone from Yisrael Beiteinu to take me down.”
After the deputy Knesset speaker received a note, ushers proceeded to remove Tibi from the podium, who still tried to hold on to the platform. The MK then returned to his seat.
I bet, if Yisrael Beiteinu leader Lieberman was present when this exchange took place – it brought a smile to his whole face and an a probably overwhelming sense of personal satisfaction that MK Tibi’s hissy fit entered into the meltdown at the sight of a YB MK walking towards the podium…Anyway, it is the very entertaining quality of the Knesset membership has resulted in the need for media/public relations training for all Knesset members. Ynet News:
Next time Knesset members find themselves facing a hostile audience in a foreign country, there is a chance they will be able to represent Israel in a better light. MKs will soon be going back to school, in the frame of PR lessons to be given by the Knesset.
The lesson plan will include: Improving self-confidence, speaking in front of a crowd and in front of cameras, and even tips on how to dress. Israeli figures who were asked to give the classes include MK Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz), MK Uri Orbach (Habayit Hayehudi) and experts from academia.
The new program, initiated by Chairman of the State Control Committee Yoel Hasson (Kadima), is slated to be launched in the coming months, after it was presented to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin this week.
While attendance will not be mandatory, the Knesset plans to recommend all its members invest a few hours a day in the lessons for one week. According to Hasson, the initiative actually arose from the MKs themselves, as many of them admitted to having difficulties in confrontations in Israel and abroad, including in debates with Palestinians. “The MKs must be taught how to properly read the rival they are facing, how to identify their weaknesses,” said MK Zion Fanian (Likud). “They should also know that not everyone was born in front of a camera, and that they should learn how to properly use the cameras to their advantage and not be startled by them,” he added.
I guess this means Israel at 62 has politically ‘arrived’…although I am rather charmed by the old –
Where is Verdi or Mozart when you need him? This would make a fabulous opera – instead of the seraglio, you’ve got the parliament and instead of the tenor taking 45 minutes to die on stage, you could have a couple of bass or even a tenor or two, stomping around and having hissy fits in the key of C minor or D major. Just add a chorus or two off to the side, making snide (but musical) comments and you’d have a hit.
Livni can sing alto and Meretz soprano…I’d go watch it.