The 120 Members of the 16th Knesset, including some 40 "rookies," took the oath of office this afternoon in a festive ceremony featuring flowered lapels, singer David D'or, and about 1,000 guests. President Moshe Katzav and MK Shimon Peres addressed today's opening session, with Peres in the Speaker's seat by virtue of his 44 years as Knesset Member - more than any of his current Knesset colleagues. The Knesset laughed wryly when he said, "The title 'Elder of the Knesset' is one for which no one is competing with me" - a reference to the many elections he has lost, most recently for President of Israel.
Knesset Secretary Aryeh Hahn read aloud the text of the declaration of allegiance to the State of Israel and a commitment to loyally serve the Knesset, and each MK affirmed the pledge in turn.
Outgoing Communications Minister Ruby Rivlin is expected to beat out MKs Michael Eitan and Avraham Hirschson, all of the Likud, for the post of Speaker of the 16th Knesset this coming Wednesday.
Knesset Secretary Aryeh Hahn read aloud the text of the declaration of allegiance to the State of Israel and a commitment to loyally serve the Knesset, and each MK affirmed the pledge in turn.
Outgoing Communications Minister Ruby Rivlin is expected to beat out MKs Michael Eitan and Avraham Hirschson, all of the Likud, for the post of Speaker of the 16th Knesset this coming Wednesday.