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TheKnesset Guard (משמר הכנסת;Mishmar HaKnesset) is an Israeliprotective security unit. The Knesset Guard is responsible for the security of theKnesset building and protection of Knesset members (MKs).
Guards are stationed outside the building, withushers on duty inside. The commander of the force is called theSergeant-at-Arms (K'tzin HaKnesset, literally, "officer of the Knesset"). In addition to security duties, the Knesset Guard conducts ceremonial roles, such as greeting dignitaries and taking part in the annual ceremony onMount Herzl on the eve ofIsraeli Independence Day.
On October 29, 1957Moshe Dwek threw a grenade during aplenary session of the Knesset.MinisterHaim Moshe Shapiro,Prime MinisterDavid Ben-Gurion andMinister of Foreign AffairsGolda Meir wereinjured. Following the events theIsraeli Police decided to establish the Knesset Guard in 1958.[1]
The Knesset Guard has primary responsibility for protecting the Knesset building and grounds. It is also responsible for the personal security of Knesset members. The guard operates under the authority of theSpeaker of the Knesset.[2]
The Status and Authority were regulated as part of Knesset Guard Law from 1968. The FirstKnesset Officer was Yerachmiel Belkin.
Knesset Guards are armed withIMI Tavor TAR-21 andIMI Galil rifles.
| English language equivalent | (Hebrew) | Rank | Insignia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enlisted | |||
| Constable | שוטר | Shoter |  |
| Corporal | רב שוטר | Rav Shoter |  |
| Sergeant | סמל שני | Samal Sheni |  |
| Staff Sergeant | סמל ראשון | Samal Rishon |  |
| Sergeant First Class | רב סמל | Rav Samal |  |
| Master Sergeant | רב סמל ראשון | Rav Samal Rishon |  |
| First Sergeant | רב סמל מתקדם | Rav Samal Mitkadem |  |
| Sergeant Major | רב סמל בכיר | Rav Samal Bakhir |  |
| Command Sergeant Major | רב נגד | Rav Nagad |  |
| Officer | |||
| Second Guard Officer | קצין משמר משנה | Kzin mishmar mishne |  |
| First Guard Officer | קצין משמר | Kzin mishmar |  |
| Senior Guard Officer | שמר | Shamar |  |
| Chief Guard Officer | רב שמר | Rav Shamar |  |
| Vice Commissioner | סגן גונן | Sgan-Gonen |  |
| Commissioner | גונן משנה | Gonen Mishne |  |
| Commander of the Knesset Guard | תת גונן | Tat Gonen (Tat Nitzav) | _Tat-Gonen_Tat-Nitzav(Mefaked_Mishmar_Ha-Knesset)_of_Knesset_Guard.png) |
| Knesset Master-at-Arms | ניצב | Ktzin-Ha-Knesset (Nitzav) | _Nitzav_(Ktzin-Ha-Knesset)_of_Knesset_Guard.png) |