Knesset Guard

The Knesset Guard (משמר הכנסת‎; Mishmar HaKnesset) is an Israeli protective security unit. The Knesset Guard is responsible for the security of the Knesset building and protection of Knesset members (MKs).

Member of the newly established Knesset Guard, 1959

A Knesset Guard, armed with a Galil assault rifle, in front of the Knesset, 2008

Guards are stationed outside the building, with ushers 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 security duties, the Knesset Guard conducts ceremonial roles, such as greeting dignitaries and taking part in the annual ceremony on Mount Herzl on the eve of Israeli Independence Day.

History

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

Duties

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 the Speaker of the Knesset.

The Status and Authority were regulated as part of Knesset Guard Law from 1968. The First Knesset Officer was Yerachmiel Belkin.

Weapons

Knesset Guards are armed with IMI Tavor TAR-21 and IMI Galil rifles.

Ranks

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)
Knesset Master-at-Arms	ניצב	Ktzin-Ha-Knesset (Nitzav)

External links

• The Knesset Guard on the Knesset Virtual Tour
• Video clip depicting the Guard's establishment