Change Bloc Leaders Clash Over Knesset Speaker Post Ahead of Swearing-In
Israeli change bloc leaders clash over the Knesset Speaker position ahead of the swearing-in, while United Torah Judaism breaks tradition by declining to endorse a prime minister.
Ahead of the upcoming Knesset swearing-in, friction has emerged among leaders of the change bloc over the coveted position of Knesset Speaker. While parliamentary coordinators meet regularly, party leaders have held only one tense meeting, locking horns over the influential post that once secured cannot be easily revoked.
The Battle for Knesset Speaker
At the center of the dispute is the rivalry between Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot. Lapid seeks the role to control government formation and steer clear of Eisenkot's unity plans, backed by Avigdor Lieberman. Meanwhile, Eisenkot's camp insists they have yet to play all their cards. Coordination is also underway with outgoing Speaker Amir Ohana, with the vote expected in the days following the government's swearing-in.
Parliamentary Cooperation and the Ra'am Dilemma
Beyond the leadership deadlock, the four opposition factions are coordinating parliamentary steps, including establishing a steering committee and advancing the state comptroller election. Contacts also extend to Mansour Abbas of the Ra'am party and United Torah Judaism's Yaakov Asher. However, controversy persists over Abbas's refusal during a meeting at the President's Residence to explicitly label Hamas a terrorist organization, leaving President Isaac Herzog's staff deeply unsettled.
United Torah Judaism Breaks Ranks
In a historic shift after two decades, United Torah Judaism declined to endorse any candidate for prime minister, breaking away from the right-wing bloc. The ultra-Orthodox faction is prioritizing the controversial draft exemption law, with Yaakov Asher and Yitzhak Goldknopf signaling openness to cooperation with any bloc willing to deliver the legislation without sanctions or quotas.
