Bloc of Change Leaders Agree to Seek Mandate First, Replace Knesset Speaker
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Leaders of the "Bloc of Change" agreed to seek the mandate to form a government first and to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. However, they remain divided on who to support for the mandate, with Gadi Eisenkot designated by his party and Avigdor Lieberman backing Yair Lapid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conditioned a unity government on Ohana remaining speaker. Naftali Bennett emphasized the urgency of forming a "Zionist correction government."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bloc of Change leaders will seek the mandate to form a government and replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
- Disagreements persist within the Bloc of Change regarding support for the government formation mandate.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu conditioned a unity government on keeping Amir Ohana as Knesset Speaker.
- Naftali Bennett stressed the urgent need to form a "Zionist correction government."
- Yair Golan was the sole proponent of including Arab parties in the government.
Leaders of the "Bloc of Change" coalition met Tuesday and agreed to be the first to request the mandate to form a government, and to quickly replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana of the Likud party. However, disagreements prevented a consensus on who would support the mandate. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, designated the role for a representative of his faction, while Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, announced his support for Yair Lapid, chairman of Yesh Atid.
Sources within the Bloc of Change expressed concern that if a National Unity representative is chosen as Knesset Speaker, they might resign if a unity government is formed with the Likud and Benjamin Netanyahu. Removing a Knesset Speaker requires the support of 90 lawmakers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conditioned the formation of a unity government on Ohana not being removed.
The meeting, which lasted about an hour, included Eisenkot, Lapid, Lieberman, Naftali Bennett (chairman of the New Right party), and Yair Golan (chairman of the Democratic Party). Among other agreements, they decided to support Eisenkot in receiving the mandate to form the government. Golan was the only participant who supported including Arab parties in the government.
Bennett stated after the meeting, "We have no time, we need to act with great urgency. Therefore, as quickly as possible, we will take control of the Knesset, take the mandate to form a government, and act as quickly as possible to establish a Zionist correction government to carry out the 'civil service revolution' and begin to fix the country. The entire party will stand with full force to help Gadi Eisenkot form a government as soon as possible."
Mentioned
