Joint List to Back New Knesset Speaker, Not Join Government
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
MK Ahmad Tibi declared the Joint List will back a new Knesset Speaker but not join the government, aiming to "facilitate, not complicate" the political process. The "Change Bloc" has surprisingly nominated Gadi Eisenkot for Knesset Speaker, intending for him to be a temporary placeholder. Avigdor Lieberman has denied any interest in the Speaker role, stating he has no intention of pursuing it. The bloc needs Lieberman's support to reach the 61-member majority required to advance the nomination.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ahmad Tibi stated the Joint List will support replacing the Knesset Speaker but not join the government.
- Gadi Eisenkot is the "Change Bloc's" surprising candidate for Knesset Speaker.
- The "Change Bloc" aims to appoint a Knesset Speaker who can later step down.
- Avigdor Lieberman denied any desire or intention to become Knesset Speaker.
- The move requires Avigdor Lieberman's support to achieve a 61-member majority.
Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi announced that the Joint List will support replacing the current Knesset Speaker and will not join the next government. Tibi stated that the Joint List aims to "facilitate, not complicate" the formation of a new government and is extending a hand to all who wish to see the current government replaced. He pledged that the Joint List would not support no-confidence votes initiated by the Likud and would not propose legislation to dissolve the Knesset.
In parallel, the "Change Bloc" has put forward Gadi Eisenkot as their surprising candidate to replace Amir Ohana as Knesset Speaker. The bloc's strategy is to appoint a speaker who can later step down, allowing for greater flexibility in government formation. Discussions within the bloc considered Yair Lapid and Eisenkot for the role, while Yair Golan was deemed not relevant.
According to reports, there is a majority against Amir Ohana's continued tenure as Speaker, with the Haredi parties reportedly not opposing the change. The choice of Eisenkot is seen as strategic, as a Knesset Speaker cannot be easily removed. The plan is for Eisenkot to serve temporarily, potentially vacating the position if he is to be part of a future government.
The success of this move hinges on Avigdor Lieberman's willingness to grant Eisenkot the necessary maneuvering room. With Lieberman's support, the "Change Bloc" would have 61 Knesset members and signatures to present to the President. Lieberman himself has publicly stated he has "no desire or intention" to serve as Knesset Speaker, dismissing recent inquiries about the position as the work of "malicious people."
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