Arab Israeli Parties Plan Knesset Leadership Challenge Post-Election

Joint List party leader Ahmad Tibi outlined a strategy for Arab political parties to exert influence in the Knesset immediately following the upcoming elections, even without forming a government. Tibi stated in an interview on "Meet the Press" that these parties could leverage their parliamentary power to enact changes, emphasizing a "range of steps" available.

A key element of this plan involves challenging the current Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana. Tibi declared his intention to support a candidate opposing Ohana, highlighting the significant political implications of electing a new speaker. He suggested that controlling the Knesset speakership could grant "absolute control" over parliamentary proceedings, influencing the agenda and legislative process even before a government is formed.

Tibi also addressed the possibility of recommending a candidate for prime minister to the President, hinting that the Arab parties would pursue actions beyond this, referencing a past instance where their recommendation influenced government formation. He dismissed claims that the strengthening of Arab parties hinders the "change bloc" from achieving a majority, attributing potential difficulties to internal disputes among Zionist opposition parties rather than Arab political unity.

The Likud party responded to Tibi's interview, framing his remarks as a revelation of a plan by opposition leaders to form a left-wing government with Arab parties. They accused Tibi of stating that without Arab party support, the government cannot be changed, and that the keys to the state would be in the hands of Tibi and Mansour Abbas.