As part of the political efforts to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, the country’s opposition parties have reached a consensus on selecting candidates for key parliamentary positions. According to the agreement, former minister Matan Kahana has been nominated for the position of the next Knesset Speaker. Additionally, opposition leaders have agreed to assign Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, as the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
This decision was announced on Tuesday (November 10) in a joint statement. A report by *The Times of Israel* stated that the consensus was reached among Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yasar Party, Avigdor Liberman, Naftali Bennett of the Together bloc, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats Party, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.
After several days of discussions, Matan Kahana, who is fifth on Eisenkot’s Yasar Party list, was nominated for the Speaker position. Concurrently, it was decided to make Liran Avishar Ben Horin, a newly elected Member of Parliament from the Together bloc, the chairman of the Finance Committee. The opposition’s statement indicated that the formation of various parliamentary committees would be finalized within this week. The proposals are expected to be brought before the Knesset on Wednesday for approval.
This agreement comes before the swearing-in of the members of Israel’s 26th Knesset. The opposition plans to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, a leader of Netanyahu’s Likud party, with Matan Kahana.
However, a major hurdle for the opposition in changing the Speaker is securing a majority. Amir Ohana has stated that if a majority of Knesset members formally demand a new Speaker election, he will arrange a debate on the matter within a week.
Currently, the four-party coalition led by Eisenkot holds 48 of the 120 seats in the Knesset. At least 61 Members of Parliament are needed to support the proposal to change the Speaker.
Previously, on Sunday, after receiving the support of 67 Members of Parliament, Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government. On the other hand, 46 Members of Parliament had expressed support for Netanyahu.
Eisenkot has been given 28 days to form a government. If necessary, this period can be extended by an additional 14 days with the President’s approval.
Source: The Times of Israel