Knesset to Vote for New Speaker Next Week Amid Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The Israeli Knesset will vote for a new Speaker on November 17, a move initiated by Gadi Eisenkot's "Change bloc" to appoint Matan Kahana. The vote was triggered by 67 MKs, exceeding the 61 needed, and is based on a Supreme Court ruling. This election is separate from government formation and aims to give the Change bloc significant influence in the Knesset.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Knesset will vote for a new Speaker on November 17, following a request by 67 MKs.
- Gadi Eisenkot's "Change bloc" is pushing to appoint Matan Kahana as the next Knesset Speaker.
- The vote is separate from government formation and requires a simple majority.
- A March 2020 Supreme Court ruling mandates the Speaker to hold a vote if 61 MKs demand it.
- Kahana's potential election would give the Change bloc significant influence in the Knesset.
- Removing an elected Speaker requires a complex and lengthy procedure.
The Israeli Knesset is scheduled to vote for its next Speaker on Tuesday, November 17, following a request signed by 67 Members of Knesset (MKs). The move is being spearheaded by the "Change bloc" led by Gadi Eisenkot, with the aim of appointing Matan Kahana to the position. The request garnered support from over 61 MKs, the minimum required to compel a vote.
The election of a new Knesset Speaker is a separate process from forming a government and does not depend on Eisenkot's success in assembling a coalition. The ability to expedite this vote stems from a March 2020 Supreme Court ruling (Bagatz) that mandates the current Speaker to hold a vote if 61 MKs demand it, preventing the incumbent from delaying the procedure. This ruling ensures that the majority of MKs can exercise their authority to elect a Speaker.
If Kahana is elected, he is expected to serve as Speaker for the duration of the Knesset's term, not just until a government is formed. Removing an elected Speaker is a complex process requiring significant support from MKs and Knesset committees. The political significance of this move lies in the Change bloc's effort to solidify its influence within the Knesset before the finalization of coalition negotiations and the determination of who will lead the next government.
The Knesset Speaker presides over plenary sessions, maintains order, and manages the Knesset's agenda and work. Kahana's potential election would grant the Change bloc control over this key position, regardless of the outcome of Eisenkot's government formation efforts.
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