Matan Kahana Tapped to Become Next Knesset Speaker
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
MK Matan Kahana is set to become the 26th Speaker of the Knesset after the "change bloc" parties agreed to his nomination. Kahana's party submitted 67 signatures to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, before the new government is formed. Ohana has scheduled a vote for November 17th, expressing opposition to the move's potential legislative implications. Kahana, a former combat pilot, has a varied political history including ministerial roles and party affiliations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Matan Kahana is expected to be the next Speaker of the Knesset.
- Kahana's party submitted 67 signatures to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana.
- The vote for the new Knesset Speaker is scheduled for November 17th.
- Current Speaker Ohana opposes the timing and legislative intent of the early election.
- Kahana has a background as a combat pilot and has held several political positions.
Member of Knesset Matan Kahana, representing the Yashar! party, is expected to be appointed the 26th Speaker of the Knesset following an agreement among the leaders of the "change bloc" parties. On Tuesday, Kahana's party submitted a document with 67 signatures to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, before the new government is formed. Kahana, a former combat pilot and elite commando, began his political career in 2019. He has held positions including Minister of Religious Services and Deputy Minister in the same portfolio. He previously served in the "New Right" and "Yamina" parties, and later joined "Blue and White-New Hope," which became "The National Camp." Kahana briefly left the Knesset in 2021 to serve as minister, returning later. In August 2023, he called for a unity government led by Netanyahu. Following the October 7th events, "The National Camp" joined the coalition but later left. Kahana also resigned from the Knesset in June 2024 after Gadi Eisenkot's departure. In April 2026, Kahana announced his move to the Yashar! party. Yesterday, party leader Eisenkot chose Kahana for the Speaker role and informed the "change bloc" leaders. Today, Yashar! submitted the required signatures to convene the Knesset and elect a new speaker before the government is sworn in. Current Speaker Amir Ohana responded to the request, scheduling a discussion and vote for Tuesday, November 17th, at 4:00 PM. Ohana stated that the early election for speaker is intended to advance legislation granting significant power to the Attorney General, which he strongly opposes, but he will respect the Knesset majority's decision.
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