MK Folkman Secures 61 Signatures to Replace Knesset Speaker
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
MK Roee Folkman has gathered over 61 signatures to hold a vote for a new Knesset Speaker, a key step for the "Change Bloc" aiming to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Arab parties, including the Joint List and Ra'am, have surprisingly signed the petition, signaling potential support for the new government. Matan Kahana is reportedly the "Change Bloc's" candidate for Speaker, though his nomination faces criticism. The vote is expected soon, with outgoing Speaker Amir Ohana presiding over the Knesset's swearing-in.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Roee Folkman secured over 61 signatures for a Knesset Speaker vote, a move by the "Change Bloc."
- Arab parties, including the Joint List and Ra'am, signed the petition to replace the Knesset Speaker.
- Matan Kahana is reportedly the "Change Bloc's" chosen candidate for the Knesset Speaker position.
- The vote is expected in the coming days, coinciding with the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset.
- Esti Yaniv criticized the potential appointment of Matan Kahana with Arab party support.
A significant political maneuver is underway as MK Roee Folkman, chair of the Yesh party, has submitted a formal request for a vote to replace the current Knesset Speaker. Folkman successfully gathered over 61 signatures from fellow Knesset members, exceeding the majority needed to bring the vote to the floor during the upcoming session. This move is seen as a crucial first step in the formation of a new government, with ongoing negotiations between the "Change Bloc" and potential coalition partners. The bloc is reportedly aiming to establish a new government led by Gadi Eisenkot, who recently received the mandate from President Yitzhak Herzog.
Adding a new dimension to the political alignment, Arab parties, including the Joint List and Ra'am, have also signed the petition to replace the Knesset Speaker. This participation indicates a willingness from these parties to support a political shift, though the extent of their commitment and whether it's part of broader coalition negotiations remains unclear. MK Auda Taha of the Joint List emphasized that "there are no free gifts," suggesting the Arab parties expect to be part of coalition discussions, even if not officially joining the government.
Reports indicate that Matan Kahana, former minister and designated MK, is the agreed-upon candidate for the Knesset Speaker position among the "Change Bloc" parties. However, Kahana's potential appointment has drawn criticism from some left-wing and protest activists due to his past stances.
The vote to replace the Knesset Speaker is expected in the coming days, coinciding with the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. The outgoing Speaker, Amir Ohana of the Likud party, is anticipated to preside over the swearing-in ceremony before being succeeded by Kahana under the new power arrangements.
In a separate development, Esti Yaniv, mother of two victims of a terror attack in Huwara in February 2023, posted a strong reaction on Facebook regarding the possibility of Matan Kahana becoming Knesset Speaker with Arab party support. Yaniv wrote, "My children received a plot on Mount Herzl because of Arabs. Matan Kahana will receive a plot on Mount Herzl with Arab votes. Choose who you identify with," a post that has generated significant online discussion.
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