Israel's "Change Bloc" Seeks to Replace Knesset Speaker Before Swearing-In

Members of Israel's "Change Bloc" have begun collecting signatures from 61 Knesset members to replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana. The signatures, representing a majority of lawmakers, will be used to demand an immediate vote for the position. The bloc aims to submit the signatures before the Knesset is sworn in on Tuesday, forcing an immediate session to elect a new speaker. Ohana has indicated that a week's notice for such a vote is reasonable, and legal counsel is expected to agree, suggesting the election could occur in about a week and a half. Each party within the bloc is expected to submit its signatures individually, though representatives from Yisrael Beiteinu and Arab parties are reportedly open to a joint submission if necessary.

Earlier this week, leaders of the "Change Bloc" met for the first time since the election. While they have not yet agreed on a candidate for the Knesset Speaker position, they did agree to advance the appointment of a State Comptroller. In a joint statement, party leaders affirmed their coordination on forming a "Zionist government" based on principles set forth by Gadi Eisenkot, as soon as possible.

Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly conveyed a message to Eisenkot stating that unity government negotiations would not proceed if Ohana is replaced as Knesset Speaker. They also emphasized that negotiations would not commence while efforts to appoint a different speaker are underway.