The Knesset and political establishment was shocked by the
growing violence against Knesset members, which reached a new
peak on Tuesday when Atty. Amnon de Hartoch, a Justice
Ministry official in charge of approving support funding
criteria, slapped MK Rabbi Yaakov Cohen on the face inside
the Knesset building.
Following the alarming incident UTJ held an urgent meeting at
which it decided to demand de Hartoch's immediate dismissal,
saying he cannot be allowed to continue serving as a public
servant. UTJ then sent a letter to the Civil Service
Commission firmly demanding that he be fired without
delay.
The head of security at the Knesset filed a police complaint
against de Hartoch, who was held for questioning. Following
the interrogation de Hartoch was released subject to certain
restrictions.
The Knesset presidency also convened an urgent meeting to
discuss the violent event. The presidency heard a report by
the head of security, emphasized the seriousness of the
incident and issued a staunch condemnation. Presidency
members unanimously said the event should be viewed as a blow
to MKs' immunity. "Violence anywhere should be denounced and
all the more so in the Knesset building," said presidency
members.
Knesset Chairwoman Dalia Itzik, on an official visit to
London, received a report on the incident immediately and
decided to permanently ban de Hartoch from the Knesset
building.
The incident took place during a heated exchange in the
hallway outside the committee meeting rooms over the amount
of funding the State should provide educational institutions
whose students do not study all of the subjects required by
the Core Curriculum Program.
Irate over de Hartoch's remarks, Rabbi Cohen said, "Why do
you lie to us? Why do you scheme against us? You're
destroying the Torah world."
"You're an animal," de Hartoch replied. "You're like the
Germans."
Rabbi Cohen responded to de Hartoch's harsh words by saying,
"What you're doing is like the Germans who wanted to destroy
the body and soul."
"Stop talking like that," said de Hartoch. "You don't know
me. I'll give you a smack."
"Let's see you," said Rabbi Cohen.
At that point de Hartoch failed to control his rage and
slapped the MK very hard across the face. A security guard
standing nearby held de Hartoch against the wall and summoned
security personnel, who held the attorney for questioning.
MK Rabbi Cohen was stunned by what happened. "Even my father
never hit me that hard," he said as he was receiving
treatment. "I saw stars and everything went black. Everyone
was shocked. He is a threat to the public. I call on the
Justice Minister to dismiss him."
During the UTJ meeting held to discuss the assault, MKs
voiced resentment over the failure of the Justice Ministry,
the Justice Minister and the Attorney General to denounce the
violent attack in a timely manner. Meanwhile UTJ praised the
Knesset presidency for its decision, but said it would not be
satisfied unless de Hartoch is fired.
The party also condemned the silence by the majority of MKs
and parties, saying had this happened to a secular MK there
would have been tremendous outrage. One of the few MKs who
did call for de Hartoch's dismissal was Uri Ariel (HaIchud
HaLeumi-NRP). "If the Justice Ministry does not fire Atty. de
Hartoch it will be the end of the State of Israel as a
country of law. An official cannot slap a publicly-elected
official and remain at his post."
On the other hand, fellow party member MK Tzvi Hendel tried
to justify de Hartoch's act. MK Yossi Beilin (Meretz) also
defended him, but acknowledged the severity of the incident
and called for a police investigation. Dr. Shlomo Cohen, head
of the Israeli Bar Association, chose to praise the violent
official for his dedication to public service.
