Eisenkot and Lieberman Agree on Next Knesset Speaker

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar Party, and Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, reached an agreement on the identity of the next Knesset Speaker during a meeting on November 9, 2026. Current estimates suggest the position will go to a representative of the Yashar Party, with Eisenkot himself being a strong possibility. The two leaders decided not to reveal the candidate's name until official approval is secured from Naftali Bennett and Yair Golan, who delegated the decision-making authority to them.

Eisenkot and Lieberman also announced understandings on additional contentious issues, though disagreements regarding the government's composition remain unresolved. This move is part of the "change bloc's" efforts to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, aiming to prevent any potential delays in the new government's swearing-in ceremony. The Knesset Speaker has the authority to set the date for the inauguration session within a week of the designated candidate successfully forming the government.

The Eisenkot camp had requested a vote on replacing Ohana for the upcoming Tuesday, coinciding with the swearing-in of Knesset members. Ohana, however, stated that the vote would occur within a week if a request signed by 61 Knesset members is submitted.