Arab Parties to Gain Knesset Deputy Speaker Roles in Coalition Deal
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The "Change Bloc" coalition agreed to appoint deputy Knesset speakers from Arab parties, including the Joint List and Ra'am, as part of a deal to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana. The vote is set for Tuesday, November 17. This agreement integrates Arab factions into key parliamentary decision-making roles and complements other senior committee appointments within the coalition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arab parties will gain deputy Knesset speaker roles as part of a coalition agreement.
- The vote to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana is set for Tuesday.
- The agreement restores Arab representation to the Knesset presidium after a gap.
- Avigdor Lieberman will chair the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
- Liran Avishar Ben Horin will chair the Finance Committee.
Leaders of the "Change Bloc" coalition have reached a broad agreement on the composition of the 26th Knesset's presidium, ahead of a vote to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with MK Matan Kahana. Under the agreement, each faction in the Knesset will appoint a deputy speaker, including the Joint List and Ra'am, restoring Arab representation to these positions after they were absent in the 25th Knesset.
These deputy speakers will serve as members of the Knesset presidium, a body that approves private bill submissions, brings urgent proposals to the agenda, and presides over plenum sessions in the speaker's absence. This move signifies the inclusion of Arab factions in key decision-making processes within the parliament.
The agreement on deputy speakers complements previously settled senior Knesset appointments among the Change Bloc leaders. Besides Matan Kahana's candidacy for Knesset Speaker, it was agreed that Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman will head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and Liran Avishar Ben Horin will chair the Finance Committee.
The vote to oust Ohana and elect his successor is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 4:00 PM, following a request signed by 67 MKs to convene the plenum. This parliamentary cooperation reflects the developing collaboration between the Change Bloc parties and the Arab factions, despite significant disagreements on full coalition cooperation for government formation. The Joint List and Ra'am have already expressed willingness to support a mutually agreed candidate for the Knesset Speaker replacement.
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