Knesset counsel says speaker was right to muzzle mom with baby at podium

Sling… and a miss.

MK Sharren Haskel is getting pushback from Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik, who throws some shade at the National Unity lawmaker for trying to deliver a speech from the plenum while carrying her young daughter in a sling last week.

In a letter partially leaked to the press, Afik recalls all the special benefits Haskel has received for being a mom lawmaker.

“My understanding is the Knesset already gave you a larger and more spacious room than normal and on the government floor to make it easier for you as the mom of an infant to do your job,” reads the letter, which also notes the extra large vehicle she got “for the kids and strollers.”

“Recently, the ethics committee deviated from ethical norms and approved you receiving money for a nanny instead of a parliamentary aide when you traveled abroad,” Afik adds.

She notes though, that inside the Knesset plenum there are “clear rules regarding what is allowed, especially at the rostrum, and the Knesset speaker is authorized to act according to them.

Haskel, who gave birth to twin girls in July 2022, had intended to present a bill to the plenum when she approached with her daughter in a sling, saying that she was being too fussy to be left alone. Deputy Knesset Speaker Uriel Buso of the Shas party told her that according to regulations, only members of Knesset are permitted to stand at the podium.

Legal advisers consulted at the time confirmed Buso’s contention and also rejected a compromise for her to present the bill from the side of the podium.

Responding to Afik’s letter Sunday, Haskel says through her spokesperson that she is disappointed by the Knesset’s decision to have her dressed down by the legal adviser.

Noting that he Knesset speaker had leeway to use common sense, she says “it’s a shame that this is how they are using their ‘common sense.'”