Israeli Political Leaders Agree on New Knesset Speaker

The position is expected to go to a representative of Eisenkot's Yashar party, and sources indicate that Eisenkot himself could be the nominee. While other bloc leaders, Naftali Bennett of Together and Yair Golan of the Democrats, deferred the decision to Lieberman and Eisenkot, the nominee's identity is being withheld from the public until Bennett, Golan, and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid officially consent. The bloc had previously set a deadline of Monday, the eve of the Knesset's swearing-in, to decide on a candidate.

The opposition aims to present at least 61 signatures on Tuesday to replace Ohana. Controlling the speakership is seen as crucial because the Speaker must schedule a swearing-in ceremony for a new government within a week of the mandate holder notifying the president. The opposition fears Ohana could delay the ceremony to pressure Likud members. Replacing the Speaker would also allow the bloc to control the legislative agenda and potentially advance key bills, such as a probe into the October 7 events. Despite ongoing disagreements over the composition of the future cabinet, both Eisenkot and Lieberman expressed confidence in forming a stable, four-year government.