Knesset Panel Approves Lieberman for Foreign Affairs Committee Chair

The Knesset Arrangements Committee, chaired by MK Roi Folkman, approved on Wednesday the establishment of two temporary committees, despite a contentious debate. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, was recommended to head the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, while MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurin from the Together party was recommended for the temporary Finance Committee. Both recommendations passed with a 13-9 vote. Each committee will consist of 17 members of Knesset. These are currently recommendations, not final appointments.

A dispute arose during the discussion regarding Ben-Hurin's candidacy for the Finance Committee chairmanship, with concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest. Ben-Hurin addressed these concerns, stating her willingness to adhere to the strictest rules, even those not typically applied in the Knesset. "The laws of conflicts of interest that apply in the government do not apply in the Knesset. Still, I say, I am prepared to apply the strictest rules to myself. And if there is a matter I cannot deal with, I will not deal with it and will appoint someone else in my place," she stated.

Committee Chairman Folkman urged members to maintain mutual respect during the debate, emphasizing the importance of dignified conduct in the Knesset. "I am not educating anyone, but there are norms and one can behave courteously. Style is style, but in the Knesset of Israel, every person and their opinions must be respected. This is how one conducts a dispute for the sake of heaven. I am prepared to hear the harshest things as long as they are said with respect," he said. Earlier, the Knesset plenum approved the formation of the Arrangements Committee itself, comprising 22 members from all factions and led by Folkman, which then made the decisions regarding the temporary committees and their recommended chairpersons.