MK Tibi Outlines Post-Election Strategy for Knesset Leadership and Coalition
MK Ahmad Tibi revealed opposition plans to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana after elections, sparking sharp reactions from coalition leaders warning against minority government scenarios.
MK Ahmad Tibi of Hadash-Ta'al revealed post-election strategy regarding the Knesset leadership and potential opposition coalitions.
Speaking to Channel 12's "Meet the Press", MK Ahmad Tibi addressed the possibility of supporting a change bloc candidate for Knesset speaker, criticizing incumbent Amir Ohana. "Do you think we will vote for Amir Ohana? Who turned the Knesset into a Kahane-style market?" Tibi asked. He stated that Arab parties would support the opposing candidate for Knesset speaker.
Tibi hinted that controlling the Knesset speaker position means absolute control over the parliament. This aligns with scenarios where Arab parties could determine both the government formation and legislative control if no bloc reaches a majority.
According to discussed scenarios, replacing the Knesset speaker would be the first step for opposition parties to advance legislation, including bills barring criminal defendants from forming a government and Haredi conscription laws.
Knesset Control and Committee Battles
Zionist opposition factions are also examining scenarios where the primary post-election battle focuses on controlling Knesset institutions. Alongside electing the speaker, the Arrangements Committee remains a central focus due to its significant early-term powers in forming permanent committees.
If neither political bloc secures an independent majority, Arab parties could become kingmakers regarding the prime minister and the legislative agenda.
"MK Tibi is angry because for the first time in many years he did not serve as Deputy Knesset Speaker. Therefore, he exposed his and Eisenkot's plan for the day after the elections: to replace me with a left-wing candidate," stated Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added that without 61 mandates for the right wing, Eisenkot and the Arab parties would form a dangerous government for Israel.
