Israeli MP Cassif Suspended After Using ‘Genocide’ in Knesset Speech

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The Hague, Netherlands – August 5, 2025 – Ofer Cassif, a member of the Israeli Knesset representing the Hadash party, was removed from the podium today after using the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza, according to reports from Dutch news outlet NRC Handelsblad.

Cassif, a vocal critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s policies, made the statement during a parliamentary session.His use of the term triggered immediate objections from members of the governing coalition, leading to his removal by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Recent Suspensions and Political Context

This incident follows a pattern of disciplinary action against Cassif. He was previously suspended from Knesset meetings between october and December 2024, and again for six months begining in November 2024, following complaints related to his calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Netanyahu for potential war crimes. Despite these suspensions, Cassif retains his voting rights.

cassif expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on free speech within the Knesset,stating on X (formerly Twitter),”Even critical authors may no longer be quoted in the parliament of the only democracy in the Middle East.”

The Hadash party, which Cassif represents, is a left-wing political alliance primarily representing Arab citizens of Israel. Cassif’s outspoken criticism of the government’s handling of the conflict in Gaza has consistently drawn condemnation from right-wing and centrist factions within the Knesset.

On August 5, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly intercepted a missile fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Israeli territory, as reported by Haaretz. This event underscores the broader regional tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict.

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