Former Security Chiefs Warn of Attempts to Disrupt Knesset Swearing-In

A forum of former senior security officials has warned of attempts to obstruct the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset in Jerusalem. A warning letter disclosed on November 7 urged authorities to protect lawmakers' access to the building and prevent confrontations around the ceremony. The Shield of Democracy forum, described as comprising 168 former senior officials from the military, police, Mossad and Shin Bet, said public social-media exchanges indicated plans to block lawmakers and their families from entering. Its letter said opponents of replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana were encouraging tens of thousands of supporters to attend. It also described counter-mobilization by people seeking to keep access open, warning that the rival groups could clash. An unnamed forum member separately said information received recently suggested hundreds to 1,500 right-wing activists intended to obstruct the inauguration. He expressed concern that some might be armed and called for preparations along roads leading to the Knesset. These were the member's warnings, rather than independently confirmed findings about participants or weapons. The forum warned that failure to hold the inauguration at its legally prescribed time would be "a serious blow to democracy." It urged a public appeal explaining the importance of allowing the ceremony to proceed, alongside sufficient personnel and equipment to prevent disruption and violence. The letter's reported recommendations concern preparations for the forthcoming inauguration, rather than measures already announced by the authorities.