MK Ofer Cassif suspended for two months over ethics violations

Knesset Ethics Committee Issues Rulings on MK Conduct, Sanctions Cassif and Cohen

The Knesset Ethics Committee on Wednesday handed down a series of key rulings aimed at reinforcing parliamentary standards and addressing recent complaints against several Members of Knesset (MKs). The decisions cover a range of issues—from guest behavior to gift acceptance, and from misuse of public office to inflammatory public statements.

Key Ethics Rulings Issued:

1. Responsibility for Guest Conduct:
   The committee ruled that MKs will be held directly accountable for the behavior of their invited guests within Knesset premises. Any disturbance caused by guests could result in sanctions against the hosting MK, as such conduct may be considered a violation of ethical norms.
2. Use of Official Titles and Symbols:
   A renewed clarification prohibits MKs from using the Knesset emblem, the title “Member of Knesset”, or any other official designation in personal or private publications. The measure aims to prevent public deception and protect the dignity of the legislature.
3. Gifts and Benefits:
   MKs may not accept gifts or benefits in connection with their position unless the gift is of “nominal value” (up to NIS 250) and given under customary circumstances. A complete ban on accepting cash, gift vouchers, or coupon cards was also enacted.
4. Case of Deputy Minister Almog Cohen:
   • The committee reviewed several complaints regarding Cohen’s conduct on social media. While his language toward a civilian on Twitter was deemed inappropriate, it did not constitute a formal ethics violation.
   • However, in a separate instance during a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee session, Cohen accused a civilian organization of “abandoning soldiers” and “setting civilians on fire.” This was ruled a breach of ethical conduct, and Cohen received an official warning.
   • Regarding his remarks against MK Ofer Cassif, whom he labeled a “traitor” and “fifth column,” the committee issued a formal reprimand.
5. Case of MK Ofer Cassif:
   The Ethics Committee reviewed 14 complaints involving remarks made by Cassif, many during a prior suspension. These included:
   • Comparing the Holocaust to events in Gaza
   • Accusations that IDF soldiers committed war crimes and genocide
   • Referring to IDF personnel as “occupation thugs”
   • Displaying protest signs with allegations against the IDF
   • Appealing to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute Israeli officials
   The committee concluded that Cassif’s statements constituted repeated, severe, and systematic violations of Knesset ethics, severely damaging public trust and the institution’s dignity. As a result, Cassif was suspended from all Knesset and committee activities for two months (October 19–December 19, 2025), and his salary will be withheld during this period. To prevent overlap with MK Ayman Odeh’s current suspension, Cassif’s suspension will commence after Odeh’s concludes. The committee issued a final warning: any future violations by Cassif would trigger immediate additional sanctions.

These decisions underscore the Knesset’s growing focus on upholding parliamentary ethics, reinforcing public accountability, and maintaining institutional credibility amid a volatile political climate.