The World - News from Jan. 20, 1987

Israeli lawmakers came to blows in the Knesset as visiting members of the Soviet Committee for World Peace watched in bewilderment. Israel radio said the clash was believed to be the first ever to break out in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. The scuffle began in the Knesset dining room when Charlie Biton, a Communist lawmaker, confronted members of the right-wing Tehiya party, who were denouncing the Communists for treating the Soviets to lunch. Witnesses said Biton snatched a poster from Tehiya lawmaker Geula Cohen, who pushed him back and later was knocked to the floor. At least four other lawmakers joined the melee.