Outgoing Likud MK Says Netanyahu is the 'Main Enemy'

Outgoing Likud Member of Knesset Amit Halevi stated on Tuesday that it appears Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is perceived as the "main enemy" by those seeking to form a government. Speaking on 103fm radio, Halevi expressed concern over the current political situation, urging Gadi Eisenkot and his allies to "come to their senses" and form a unity government with Netanyahu.

Halevi's remarks came as the 26th Knesset was set to convene for its opening session, with dozens of new MKs being sworn in. Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yamina party, decided that Matan Kahana will serve as the next Speaker of the Knesset, replacing Amir Ohana. Kahana will be the third Orthodox Jewish Speaker, following Avraham Burg in 1992 and Yuli Edelstein in 2013.

The "change bloc," with the support of Arab parties, commands 67 MKs who are expected to vote in favor of the Knesset leadership change. Agreements have also been reached on candidates for key Knesset committee chairmanships. These include Roey Folkman as chair of the Arrangements Committee, Avigdor Lieberman as chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and Liran Avishar Ben-Hurin as chair of the Finance Committee. The committee compositions will be discussed and finalized during the week and brought for a plenary vote on Wednesday.