Netanyahu Poised to Become Oldest Serving Knesset Member
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the longest-serving member of the 26th Knesset, replacing Moshe Gafni. Netanyahu, who first entered parliament in 1988, has served for over three decades. The role of the longest-serving member, historically responsible for opening sessions, has been diminished, though a large office remains a perk. The youngest member will be 24-year-old Yonatan Shilo.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to become the longest-serving member of the 26th Knesset.
- Moshe Gafni was removed from the Degel HaTorah list, opening the position for Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu has served in the Knesset for over three decades since first elected in 1988.
- The role of the longest-serving member's procedural duties has been abolished.
- The longest-serving member retains a larger office as a privilege.
- Yonatan Shilo, 24, is expected to be the youngest member of the 26th Knesset.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to become the longest-serving member of the 26th Knesset, following the removal of Moshe Gafni from the Degel HaTorah list. Netanyahu first entered the Knesset in 1988, served until 1999, and returned in 2003, remaining a continuous member since. His cumulative service exceeds three decades, making him the most senior candidate in a realistic position.
Historically, the role of the longest-serving Knesset member held significant weight, opening the first session and presiding over plenary meetings until a permanent speaker was elected. This procedure has been abolished, with the outgoing speaker now continuing to manage sessions until a new one is chosen. Amir Ohana, the outgoing speaker from the Likud party, will continue in this capacity.
Despite the procedural changes, the longest-serving member retains a lesser-known privilege: a large, double-sized office compared to other Knesset members. The youngest member of the upcoming Knesset is anticipated to be Yonatan Shilo from the B'Yachad list, aged 24. Based on a recent poll predicting 11 mandates for B'Yachad, Shilo, positioned tenth on the list, is expected to enter the Knesset.
Other notable young members include Hananel Dorfman from Otzma Yehudit, 31, and Omri Ronen from the Democrats, 34. The oldest member of the incoming Knesset is expected to be Haim Katz from the Likud, at 79 years old. He is followed by Netanyahu, 77, and Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael, 75.
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