Violent clashes break out in Knesset as October 7 families barred from entering public gallery

Violent clashes have broken out in the Knesset building as the families of those killed and kidnapped in the October 7 attacks attempted to enter the public gallery.

Footage shows guards wrestling campaigners to the ground and engaging in shoving matches, with at least one attendee reportedly requiring medical attention.

According to a report from Channel 12, the father of Yarden Buskilla, who was murdered at the Nova music festival, fainted during the confrontation and was checked on by medics.

Members of the October Council, which represents bereaved families, were barred from entering the gallery ahead of a special parliamentary sessions considering the necessity of a public inquiry into the events of the fateful day.

If approved, the inquiry would examine potential security failings and consider whether authorities could have done more to prevent the attack.

It is not immediately clear why the families were denied entry to the gallery, but the Council called on Knesset speaker Amir Ohana to “intervent immediately”, before later calling for him to resign.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Yesterday we sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, announcing the intention of dozens of bereaved families to come to the guest gallery and watch the discussion on establishing a state commission of inquiry.

"The violence directed at the families of the October Council is unacceptable.

"The Knesset speaker should resign today.”

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid also said he approached the speaker to ask for the group to be allowed in.

He added: “There is no limit to the horror and shame of the images of Knesset guards forcibly pushing away bereaved October 7 families.”

Proceedings began in the Knesset with the public gallery empty, though Channel 12 has since reported that most of the families were subsequently allowed to take their seats.

Several relatives turned their backs on Prime Minister Netanyahu during the debate as a sign of protest, with Speaker Ohana ordering them to stop or risk being removed.

Two opposition MKs were also removed from the chamber, Gilad Kariv of the Democrats and Yesh Atid’s Vladimir Beliak, for yelling at Netanyahu as he began to speak.