Likud Considers Surprising Knesset Speaker Bid for Wounded MK
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Likud party is considering nominating severely wounded MK Elisha Mardan for Knesset Speaker to challenge opposition candidate Matan Kahana. This move aims to create a public relations challenge for the opposition, forcing them to vote against a national hero. The vote is scheduled for next Tuesday, with the opposition bloc holding a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to appoint the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, to a ministerial role after his term.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Likud may nominate wounded MK Elisha Mardan for Knesset Speaker against Matan Kahana.
- The move aims to force the opposition to vote against a national hero.
- Mardan recently lost both legs in combat in northern Gaza.
- The opposition bloc has 67 signatures for a vote to replace current Speaker Amir Ohana.
- The vote for the new Knesset Speaker is scheduled for next Tuesday.
- Netanyahu is expected to appoint Ohana to a ministerial post after his term.
The Likud party is reportedly considering a surprise tactical move in the race for Knesset Speaker, potentially nominating Member of Knesset Elisha Mardan to challenge opposition candidate Matan Kahana. The decision has not yet been finalized, with internal assessments suggesting the outcome of a direct vote is predictable.
However, if Likud decides to contest the position, Mardan, a soldier who sustained severe injuries in combat in northern Gaza, losing both legs, is the leading candidate. This potential move comes as preparations are underway for next week's vote to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana. The strategic rationale behind nominating Mardan is to present the opposition with a difficult political and public relations challenge, forcing them to vote against a national hero.
Party sources are already outlining a campaign narrative: "Matan Kahana, supported by Arab parties versus Israeli hero Elisha Mardan." The opposition bloc, comprising 67 MKs, submitted signatures yesterday demanding Ohana's replacement and a plenum vote for a new Speaker, officially presenting MK and former minister Matan Kahana as their candidate.
Mardan, sworn in as an MK yesterday, shared a personal account on social media detailing the loss of comrades, his physical and mental rehabilitation, and his determination to stand for his oath of allegiance despite pain and ongoing medical uncertainty. He also issued a strong call for a broad national unity government, advocating for a government that unites the nation rather than one reliant on the Islamic Movement and the Muslim Brotherhood.
This call coincides with ongoing negotiations between the opposition bloc and ultra-Orthodox parties to form an alternative government. Meanwhile, Likud estimates that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will appoint Ohana to a ministerial position immediately after his term as Speaker concludes, with potential portfolios including Construction and Housing, Health, Welfare, or Strategic Affairs.
The vote for the new Knesset Speaker is scheduled for next Tuesday. The opposition bloc holds 63 mandates compared to the right-wing bloc's 50, which would ensure Kahana's election unless Likud engages in a public relations battle with Mardan's candidacy.
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