Israeli Opposition Bloc Seeks Knesset Speaker Vote, Proposes Committee Heads

The "Change Bloc," led by Gadi Eisenkot, submitted 61 signatures on Tuesday, November 10, initiating a process to replace the current Knesset Speaker. The Speaker is now obligated to bring the matter to a vote within a week. Matan Kahana, a Member of Knesset from the Yashar party, has been nominated as the bloc's candidate for the position. Eisenkot initially considered the role himself but decided to put forward Kahana, at least temporarily, amidst coalition formation talks. This decision was influenced by criticism suggesting the Speaker should be someone deeply familiar with Knesset operations. Kahana expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and urged the current Speaker to schedule the vote promptly.

The "Change Bloc" also reached agreements on candidates for key committee leadership positions. Roi Folkman, head of the Yashar faction, is proposed to lead the Arrangements Committee. Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu and former Defense Minister, is slated to chair the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Liran Avishar Ben-Horin from Yahadut Ha'ir has been nominated for the chairmanship of the Finance Committee, a position she would be the first woman to hold if elected.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the move, urging Kahana to withdraw his candidacy. Smotrich deemed the speaker change, supported by Arab parties, unacceptable and cautioned ultra-Orthodox parties against aligning with the "Change Bloc," predicting they would be abandoned once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing are removed from power. Kahana, however, rejected these claims, noting that Knesset factions have previously cooperated on decisions and dismissed the idea of a unity government led by Netanyahu. He stated that a majority of MKs support Eisenkot's mandate to form a government and anticipates a broad "Zionist coalition" open to those who agree with the bloc's four core principles.

The Democrats party, while not yet securing any posts, is expected to head the committee tasked with rescinding judicial reform laws. They are preparing legislative initiatives, including the cancellation of the law establishing the Police Internal Investigations Department (MAHAZ), the separation of powers for the Attorney General, changes to the Judicial Appointments Committee, and communications reforms. The extent to which these changes can be reversed, should a government not be formed, remains uncertain.