Avigdor Lieberman Accuses Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of Serving Netanyahu Family Interests

A sharp confrontation unfolded in the Knesset plenum on Monday when Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, harshly criticized Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Lieberman accused Ohana of political bias and prioritizing the coalition, stating that he had become "a servant of the Netanyahu family." The exchange occurred during a debate on the Basic Law concerning Torah study.

Lieberman began by asserting that the Speaker's role includes protecting opposition rights and ensuring proper parliamentary conduct. He then intensified his attack, calling Ohana the most political Speaker ever and accusing him of serving the Netanyahu family rather than the state. Ohana rejected these allegations, arguing that the opposition actually receives preferential treatment under his leadership. He invited Lieberman to verify the number of opposition motions, quick debates, and parliamentary questions that have been accepted, emphasizing that opposition members lack the direct access to ministers that coalition members enjoy.

Lieberman responded by claiming he has received no answers to his parliamentary questions since January and suggested this was politically motivated. He also criticized the coalition's policies on religion and state, asserting that while he personally observes Jewish traditions, the government promotes a form of religion disconnected from Judaism. He vowed that if the opposition returns to power, it will repeal recent legislation, including the Basic Law under discussion and the "jobs law" promoted by Aryeh Deri.

Concluding his speech, Lieberman attacked the ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition, particularly Shas, claiming it no longer resembles the party led by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. He also condemned statements by rabbis affiliated with Shas against the IDF Chief of Staff, labeling the coalition as dominated by "Goldknopf and Deri." The heated exchange highlighted deep political and ideological divisions within the Knesset ahead of upcoming elections.