Amir Ohana and Shlomo Karhi Clash Over Knesset Session During Recess, Escalating to Personal Attacks
A dispute over convening the Knesset during its recess has escalated into a personal confrontation between Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Minister Shlomo Karhi. The conflict began when Karhi submitted a request to convene the Knesset, which Ohana rejected, citing procedural irregularities. Ohana argued that according to Knesset rules, such a request during recess requires signatures from 25 Knesset members, excluding ministers, and that Karhi's submission, signed by six ministers among the 25 signatures, was invalid.
Ohana criticized Karhi for making the issue public via social media instead of contacting him directly and defended his adherence to the law, contrasting it with the judiciary. He also responded to accusations regarding his stance on judicial reforms, asserting his prior involvement in the system and expressing confidence in winning upcoming general elections to continue necessary reforms.
Karhi responded with a lengthy post, accusing Ohana of raising procedural objections only after public criticism and offering a different interpretation of the Knesset rules. He argued that the specific rule cited by Ohana does not apply to convening the Knesset during recess and accused Ohana of using legalistic interpretations to block the session and harm Knesset members. Karhi also rejected Ohana's demand to amend the request and criticized the increased influence of the Knesset legal advisor during Ohana's tenure.
The exchange grew more personal as Karhi denied behind-the-scenes briefings against Ohana and accused him of opposing right-wing media reforms and siding with Knesset legal advisors to obstruct their agenda. Karhi concluded by expressing regret over Ohana's failure to uphold the Knesset's dignity and hinted that a better successor might replace him as Speaker after the next elections, wishing all success in the upcoming vote.
This public feud highlights internal tensions within the Likud party ahead of the primaries and reflects broader disputes over parliamentary procedures and judicial reforms in Israel.
