Israeli "Change Bloc" Seeks to Replace Knesset Speaker Before Swearing-In

Members of Israel's "Change Bloc" have begun collecting the 61 signatures required from 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. While each party in the bloc is expected to submit its signatures separately, representatives from Yisrael Beiteinu and Arab parties are reportedly willing to sign a joint document if necessary.

Earlier this week, leaders of the "Change Bloc" met for the first time since the elections. They have not yet agreed on a candidate for the next Knesset Speaker but did agree to advance the appointment of a state comptroller. A joint statement from the party leaders emphasized their coordination on forming a "Zionist government" based on principles set by Gadi Eisenkot as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have conveyed a message to Eisenkot stating that unity government negotiations will not proceed if Ohana is replaced. They also stressed that negotiations would not begin while efforts to appoint a different speaker are underway.