New Knesset Sworn In, Power Struggle Begins Over Key Committee Chairs
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The 26th Knesset was sworn in, initiating parliamentary work with temporary committees. The "change bloc" submitted a request to elect a new Knesset Speaker, Matan Kahana. Concerns have been raised regarding potential conflicts of interest for MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurin, designated to chair the Finance Committee, due to her past employment and her husband's consulting firm. MK Avigdor Lieberman will head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, while the outgoing government will appoint Gideon Saar as Interior Minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The 26th Knesset was sworn in, with 120 members taking their seats.
- The "change bloc" seeks to elect Matan Kahana as the new Knesset Speaker.
- MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurin's appointment to chair the Finance Committee raises conflict of interest concerns.
- MK Avigdor Lieberman will lead the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
- Gideon Saar is set to be appointed as the new Interior Minister, in addition to his Foreign Minister role.
The 26th Knesset was inaugurated today with the swearing-in of 120 members of Knesset (MKs). Following the ceremonies, the parliamentary work begins with the establishment of three temporary committees: the Arrangements Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. MK Roi Folkman, formerly of the Kulanu party and now representing the Yishar faction led by Gadi Eisenkot, will head the Arrangements Committee. This committee, with a 9-8 majority for the "change bloc" over the Netanyahu bloc, will manage the Knesset's affairs.
Simultaneously, the Yishar faction submitted a request to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with over 61 signatures, demanding a vote to elect a new Speaker. The candidacy of MK and former minister Matan Kahana for the position of Speaker has been officially submitted. This move aims to transfer control of Knesset institutions to the new majority and is expected to occur next week.
MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurin of the Hatnuah party is slated to chair the temporary Finance Committee. This appointment raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Ben-Hurin previously worked for Keystone, a company active in transportation, electricity, renewable energy, water, and communications. These sectors are heavily influenced by Knesset decisions. Keystone has significant holdings, including in the Egged bus company, power stations, and HOT mobile.
Further complicating matters, Ben-Hurin's husband's firm, Ben-Hurim-Alexandrovich, provides strategic consulting and public relations services to numerous companies whose interests may be debated in the Finance Committee. While MKs are not legally required to sign conflict-of-interest agreements, they must declare potential conflicts. During her tenure as Director-General of the Ministry of Communications in 2021-2022, Ben-Hurin did sign such an agreement, committing to avoid decisions that could create conflicts.
MK Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, will chair the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Lieberman, a veteran MK and former Defense Minister, is a key figure in the "change bloc" negotiations. He recently expressed willingness to sit with Haredi parties, contingent on passing a conscription law. He also stated his intention to summon the Police Commissioner, Shin Bet chief, IDF Chief of Staff, and Mossad chief to discuss foreign interference in elections and the situation with Iran.
Meanwhile, the outgoing government is set to approve the appointment of Foreign Minister Gideon Saar as Interior Minister. The position has been vacant since the summer of 2025 following the resignation of Shas ministers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now appointing Saar to concurrently hold both portfolios.
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