Liberman Accuses Knesset Speaker Ohana of Serving Netanyahu Family, Vows to Repeal Ultra-Orthodox Laws

On July 13, 2026, Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, sharply criticized Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana during a plenary session. Liberman accused Ohana of becoming "the most political Knesset speaker in history" and labeled him a "servant of the Netanyahu family" while presiding over the discussion on the Basic Law concerning Torah study. Liberman emphasized that Ohana's role includes protecting the opposition and ensuring parliamentary procedures are respected, which he claimed Ohana failed to do.

In response, Ohana defended his impartiality, stating that he prioritizes the opposition in scheduling debates and handling inquiries, highlighting the opposition's lack of direct access to ministers compared to coalition members. Liberman countered by complaining about unanswered parliamentary questions dating back to January 21, implying obstruction.

Liberman also attacked the coalition's promotion of ultra-Orthodox legislation, promising to repeal these laws after the upcoming elections. He criticized the religious coercion laws and the so-called "jobs law" associated with Aryeh Deri, vowing to annul all related legislation and religious councils, which he described as a desecration.

Furthermore, Liberman warned his political allies against forming a government with the Shas party, contrasting today's Shas leadership with that of its founder, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. He condemned recent inflammatory remarks by Shas figures against the IDF and its chief of staff, calling the current coalition a "Goldknopf and Deri coalition," referencing Shas leaders Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Goldknopf.

The exchange highlighted deep political and ideological divisions within the Knesset, with Liberman positioning himself as a staunch opponent of ultra-Orthodox influence and Netanyahu's political circle, while Ohana defended his conduct as speaker.