Arab MK Outlines Post-Election Knesset Power Plays

Arab Israeli lawmaker Ahmed Tibi has outlined potential political maneuvers by Arab parties in the Knesset following upcoming elections, particularly if a majority opposes the current government, even without forming a new one. Tibi, chairman of the Hadash-Ta'al party, stated in an interview that a primary goal would be to replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, immediately after the election. He described Ohana's tenure as turning the Knesset into a "Ze'ev Kahani-esque market" and pledged support for an opposing candidate for Speaker, emphasizing the significant control a Speaker wields over parliamentary proceedings.

Tibi also hinted that Arab parties might take a more assertive role in recommending a candidate for Prime Minister to the President than in the past. He suggested they would do "more than that," referencing a past instance where their recommendation for Benny Gantz was not acted upon. This stance is bolstered by Tibi's expectation of increased Arab voter turnout and the renewed unity of Arab parties, including the Joint List and Ra'am, with an electoral agreement in place.

He attributed the difficulty in forming an alternative government to internal disputes among Jewish parties opposing the current government, rather than issues with Arab parties. Tibi cited poll numbers suggesting that without strong support from the Arab lists, changing the political reality would be impossible.

The Likud party quickly seized on Tibi's remarks, framing them as proof of a plan by opposition leaders to form a "left-wing government with Arab parties," with Tibi and Mansour Abbas holding the "keys to the state." Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana echoed this sentiment, accusing Tibi of revealing his and Benny Gantz's plan to replace him and form a government reliant on Arab support, urging the public to prevent this outcome.