Lieberman and Eisenkot Agree on Knesset Speaker Nominee

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, and Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yesh Atid party, have reached an agreement on the candidate for the 26th Knesset Speaker position. The identity of the agreed-upon nominee has not yet been revealed, likely pending coordination with other parties in the "Change Bloc" coalition. Lieberman and Eisenkot also intend to discuss the candidate with other bloc leaders, including Naftali Bennett of Yamina, Yair Golan of the Democratic Party, and Yair Lapid, who was also mentioned as a potential candidate.

This agreement comes after an understanding among the bloc's party leaders last week to finalize the Knesset Speaker issue by Monday, the day before the Knesset's swearing-in. The candidate's name is expected to be disclosed in the coming hours. Following their meeting, Lieberman and Eisenkot released a statement expressing "full confidence in the ability to form a stable government for four years."

The agreement between Lieberman and Eisenkot is seen as a significant signal of progress within the Change Bloc, indicating advancements towards consensus and efforts to form a joint government, despite existing disagreements. This development is further motivated by the bloc's plan to submit at least 61 signatures on Tuesday to replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana.

Earlier on Monday, Rooie Folkman, chairman of the Yesh Atid faction, attempted to enlist the Haredi parties (Shas and United Torah Judaism) in the effort to replace the Knesset Speaker, but was unsuccessful. Folkman had sent letters to the parties' leaders inviting them to join the signature collection process for the official request. United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher responded that his party's principled stance is that replacing the Knesset Speaker should occur concurrently with the formation of a new government, not just the convening of the Knesset.