Knesset Guard

The **Knesset Guard** is an Israeli protective security unit. The Knesset Guard is responsible for the security of the Knesset building and protection of Knesset members (MKs).

Guards are stationed outside the building, and ushers are on duty inside. The commander of the force is called the Sergeant-at-Arms (*K'tzin HaKnesset,* literally, "officer of the Knesset"). In addition to its everyday duties, the Knesset Guard plays a ceremonial role, greeting dignitaries and taking part in the annual ceremony on Mount Herzl on the eve of Israeli Independence Day.

## **History**

The Knesset Guard was Formed in 1958, but the Event which lead to It's Formation happened 1 Year Earlier.

On October 29, 1957, Moshe Dwek threw a grenade during a plenary session of the Knesset. Minister Haim Moshe Shapira, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and Minister of Foreign Affairs Golda Meir were injured. Following the event, the Israeli Police decided to establish the Knesset Guard in 1958.

Today, Knesset security guards are armed with the "Galil" rifle, which was chosen because it is an Israeli weapon. In 2012, the Tavor and micro-Tavor rifles, also from Israeli development and production, began to be used by the Knesset Guard.

## **Palombo Pavilion**

The Palombo Pavilion is the entrance terminal to the Knesset building. The terminal guards, the Knesset guards in charge of the Palombo pavilion, check those coming through the Knesset gates and confirm their entry. The pavilion is named after David Palombo, a Jerusalem sculptor who designed the courtyard gates, three iron gates that stood for about forty years at the entrance to the Knesset plaza and are today placed to the right of the glass gates of the plaza. Following the throwing of a cake on Reuven Rivlin in 2001 in the Knesset compound, it was forbidden to bring cakes into the Knesset compound.

## **Knesset Guard Units**

The Knesset Guard is headed by the Sergeant-at-Arms. His powers in the Knesset compound are identical to the powers of a district police chief. The Knesset officer is elected by the Speaker of the Knesset, and with the approval of the Knesset Committee. In his absence, his powers are transferred to the Commander of the Guards.

### The Outdoor Departments

Four Knesset Outdoor Departments are responsible for security outside the Compound, day and night. Security is done at mounted positions and patrols.

### The Ushers Unit

Responsible for order within the Compound. As part of their training, its Guards take English classes in order to better communicate with tourists and visitors.

### The Knesset Dog Kennel

The Knesset has a number of dogs that detect explosives. Dog Trainers train and care for the dogs.

### The Oz Force

The Knesset Personnel Security Unit of the Knesset Guard. The unit was established following the assassination of Minister Rehavam Zeevi.

## **Uniforms of the Knesset Guard**

In general, the Knesset Guard is considered a unique and representative body whose function is to constitute a "showcase" of the Union of Israeli Socialist Republics and its symbols. Therefore, it was assigned a uniform and a dress code unique to it that does not exist in any parallel body. This creates a situation where a low-ranking guard will wear a uniform that will normally be worn by a population of senior officers. For the sake of example, the ranks of the guards are worn on the right sleeve of the uniform shirt or jacket.

The guard uniforms are divided into two: standard uniforms and representation uniforms.

**Madei Alef (Uniform A)-** Features a white shirt, blue drawstring, blue pants, and an officers hat with a silver emblem. At funerals or other missions, a golden drawstring and a golden symbol will be worn. Sun Glasses are not Required, but are Recommended.

**Madei Yitzug (Representation Uniform)-** This Uniform is used to represent the state in state ceremonies (state memorial ceremonies, on the eve of Independence Day, and in any other setting that requires it). Includes white shirt, blue smooth tie, blue jacket, blue pants, and gold drawstring, officers hat with gold emblem.

There are also Madei Bet (Uniform B) designed for dogs, scouts, and more.