Knesset Approves Temporary Committees, Lieberman to Head Foreign Affairs

The Knesset's Arrangements Committee has approved the establishment of two temporary committees: the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Finance Committee. Each committee will comprise 17 members of Knesset (MKs). The committee, chaired by MK Roi Folkman, approved the appointments with a vote of 13 in favor and 9 against, following a heated debate. The proposals will now proceed to a full Knesset plenum vote.

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, is slated to head the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Other members appointed to this committee include MKs Boaz Bismut and Ram Ben-Barak from Likud and HaDemocratim respectively, among others representing various parties.

MK Liran Avishar Ben-Horin from the "Behachad" party is recommended to chair the temporary Finance Committee. Notable members appointed to the Finance Committee include MKs Yaakov Bardugo and Noam Tibon from Likud, and MK Naama Lazimi from HaDemocratim.

During the discussion, Avishar Ben-Horin addressed concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest in her appointment to lead the Finance Committee. She stated, "The conflict of interest rules that apply in the government do not apply in the Knesset. Nevertheless, I am prepared to apply the strictest rules to myself." She added that if a matter arises where she has a conflict of interest, she will recuse herself and appoint someone else to handle it.

The Arrangements Committee itself was approved earlier by the Knesset plenum with 63 votes in favor and 50 against. This committee is responsible for advancing the establishment of Knesset committees until the permanent committees are elected.