Israeli Opposition Bloc Eyes Knesset Speaker Change to Block Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israeli opposition parties in the "Change Bloc" are considering replacing the Knesset Speaker and passing legislation to prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a government. The bloc aims to secure a parliamentary majority for these measures before coalition talks begin. The plan faces legal challenges, including potential High Court invalidation, and the caretaker government would remain in place. Alternative scenarios include Likud's potential dissolution or a Haredi party seeking new partners, with another election also possible.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Opposition's Change Bloc seeks to replace Knesset Speaker and block Netanyahu from forming government.
- Proposed legislation would prevent indicted candidates from receiving government formation mandate.
- Plan faces legal challenges, with concerns of High Court invalidation due to personal nature.
- Caretaker government remains in place until a new government is officially established.
- Alternative scenarios include Likud's dissolution or a Haredi party seeking new partners.
- Another election is a possibility if consensus for a new government cannot be reached.
Leaders of the "Change Bloc" are exploring a strategy to replace the Knesset Speaker and enact legislation that would prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from being tasked with forming a new government. This move aims to preempt coalition negotiations and is based on the assessment that broad consensus, potentially including Arab parties, can be achieved for these initial steps.
Key proposals include passing a law that would prohibit the President from assigning the government formation mandate to a candidate facing an indictment. Additionally, they plan to push for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th. Only after these legislative actions would the Change Bloc parties attempt to form a new government.
However, the plan faces significant legal and political hurdles. Concerns exist that a law specifically targeting Netanyahu's ability to form a government could be invalidated by the High Court of Justice due to its personal nature. Furthermore, changing the Knesset Speaker and gaining parliamentary control does not automatically dissolve the caretaker government, which continues to serve until a new one is established.
Alternative scenarios being considered by the Change Bloc include the potential dissolution of the Likud party or a decision by one of the Haredi parties to seek different coalition partners. If consensus for a new government cannot be reached, another election remains a possibility. The current calls for cooperation from the Joint List and Democratic parties present a challenge to the other Change Bloc parties, questioning their willingness to pursue joint parliamentary action before the next prime minister is determined.
One leader, Golan, argued for the "Zionist" majority within the Change Bloc, contrasting it with Netanyahu's bloc which he claims includes non-Zionist Haredi parties. He stated, "The Change Bloc has a Zionist majority: 49 to 39. The Change Bloc has an Israeli majority: 65 to 55. We have a majority. We have responsibility. And we have an opportunity to establish a change government in partnership with the Arab citizens of Israel. A government that will serve all citizens of Israel. Now we need courage. We need leadership. We need to stop being afraid and start acting. A change government now!"
