Opposition Plans to Replace Knesset Speaker Before Government Formation

Less than a month before elections, and with polls indicating no clear victor, the "Change Bloc" opposition is preparing a move to potentially seize control of the Knesset even before a new government is formed: replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Following a meeting on Saturday night between Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Lapid, joint working groups were established. One group is focused on post-election steps, including efforts to coordinate Ohana's replacement. The bloc intends to seek support from the Ra'am and Joint List parties to achieve a majority for this move. MK Ahmad Tibi has already stated his support for the Change Bloc's candidate for Knesset Speaker. Cooperation with Ra'am is already a central election issue, following claims by Bedouin local authority heads about Eisenkot's commitment to include the party in a future government, claims denied by Yesh Atid. However, the participation of both Arab parties in the elections still hinges on a legal decision, after their disqualification by the Elections Committee. Conversely, the Likud leadership and Netanyahu's office are consulting on measures to delay Ohana's replacement until a government is formed. Ohana is permitted to continue in his role during the transition period, with elections for a new Speaker required no later than the formation of a new government. The bloc is referencing the 2020 precedent, when the High Court of Justice ordered then-Speaker Yuli Edelstein to convene the plenum for a new Speaker election. If successful, a new Speaker from the bloc could influence the Knesset's agenda, even if government formation is delayed. Potential initiatives include advancing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events, a commitment already made by opposition party leaders, and a law limiting a Prime Minister to two terms. Each law would require a separate majority. Sources within the Change Bloc told Ynet and Yediot Ahronot that "if necessary, replacing the Knesset Speaker will be the Change Bloc's way to test the possibility of forming a minority government if no clear decision is reached, in light of public reactions."