Israeli Political Maneuvering Intensifies Over Knesset Speaker Role

The 'Change Bloc' in the Knesset is preparing parliamentary maneuvers to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, and take control of the parliament's administration. These moves are planned to coincide with the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset on November 10th, paving the way for legislative initiatives including forming an official inquiry committee, repealing judicial overhaul laws, and passing a conscription law. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yamina party, is leading consultations with bloc parties to coordinate this effort. The Likud party is reportedly attempting to thwart these plans by questioning the legitimacy of parliamentary actions that might rely on the support of Arab parties. According to "Yedioth Ahronoth," Likud is also seeking Knesset members from the opposing bloc who would abstain from voting to replace Ohana.

Eisenkot's party has accused Likud ministers and Knesset members of trying to persuade their members to withdraw support for the move. Likud has denied these accusations, in turn accusing Eisenkot and his allies of seeking cooperation with Arab parties. Both parties have exchanged statements regarding contacts between Likud officials and members of the Change Bloc, amid efforts to garner support and derail the opposition's plans.

Concurrently, Eisenkot is working to persuade the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties to join the upcoming government, despite opposition from Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, to a coalition including ultra-Orthodox parties. Sources within Yamina indicate that efforts are underway to pressure Lieberman to change his stance, as the composition of the next government remains undecided. Disagreements also persist within the Change Bloc regarding the timing of granting the mandate to form a government. Some members believe Eisenkot should receive the mandate first to allow the bloc to control the Knesset's organizing committee during the transition period. Others prefer allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to receive the mandate first, to limit his ability to pressure bloc members.

In parallel, the Likud has launched a social media campaign, involving its ministers and Knesset members, to portray the Change Bloc's reliance on Arab party votes as undermining the legitimacy of parliamentary actions. The party also plans to organize protests and pressure Knesset members from the opposing bloc, particularly those from the right-wing, to prevent them from supporting Ohana's replacement. Prior to the elections, Likud had established a special team to attract members from Yamina and manage potential Knesset member transfers between blocs.

Discussions within the Change Bloc are ongoing regarding the candidate to succeed Ohana. Eisenkot supports MK Orit Farkash Hacohen, while Lieberman favors MK Oded Forer. Naftali Bennett's party has proposed a prominent political figure, suggesting Yesh Atid party head Yair Lapid as a candidate who could gain broad support within the bloc. According to law, Ohana can continue as Speaker during the transition period, with a new Speaker to be elected by the time the next government is formed. However, a 2020 Supreme Court ruling established that a vote for a new Speaker must be held immediately upon submission of a request signed by 61 Knesset members, even before government formation.

The Change Bloc intends to submit a formal request for a vote as soon as the Knesset is sworn in. MK Ahmed Tibi has announced his support for replacing Ohana with the bloc's candidate, aiming to shift the balance of power within the parliament. Some within the Change Bloc view replacing the Speaker as a parliamentary step not directly tied to government formation, thus differentiating its reliance on Arab party votes from forming a government dependent on their support or abstention. However, the success of this move does not guarantee the passage of the bloc's intended legislation, which requires securing a parliamentary majority, a prospect still uncertain due to internal bloc disagreements and potential abstentions on controversial laws.