Man of mystery? Ephraim Halevy
Photo: Avigail Uzi
Knesset guards shun ex-Mossad chief
Ephraim Halevy delayed at entrance to Knesset after security guards fail to recognize him
Former Mossad Director Ephraim Halevy may be a well-renowned figure in Israel and abroad, but the Knesset's security guards apparently never heard of him.
Thursday morning, Halevy was held up at the entrance to the Knesset after guards failed to recognize him.
The ex-Mossad chief arrived at parliament for a discussion at the Knesset's Education Committee; however, security guards did not allow him to enter the compound because his ID card number did not match the number that appeared on his entry permit.
Following the incident, Education Committee Chairman Zevulun Orlev called the Knesset's security chief and complained this isn’t the first time guards are holding up Halevy.
"I ask that next time I summon Halevy for a meeting at the committee, please inform the younger guards in advance and explain to them who the former Mossad director is," he said.
A Knesset spokesperson confirmed that Halevy was held at the entrance because of an error in his ID card number.
"When Ephraim Halevy arrived he was not identified by a young guard, who did not recognize him," the spokesperson said. "However, the issue was looked into within a few minutes, the guards contacted the committee that confirmed his arrival, and the matter was rectified."
