Jerusalem:Gadi Eisenkot, head of the "Yeshar" party, has announced his intention to nominate himself for the position of Speaker of the Knesset. This decision comes amid ongoing disputes within the left-wing camp regarding the choice of a successor to the current Speaker, Amir Ohana.
According to Maan News Agency, Eisenkot's decision followed a meeting with Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman and received support from Ma'an party leader Naftali Bennett. The left-wing camp has struggled to agree on a joint candidate for the speakership, with Lieberman advocating for Yair Lapid and the Yesh Atid party insisting that the role should remain with the largest faction.
Eisenkot's candidacy aims to resolve these disputes. The meeting with Lieberman occurred against a backdrop of broader disagreements over forming the next government. Eisenkot considers forming a minority government, while Lieberman opposes relying on Arab parties' votes, preferring to reach understandings with ultra-Orthodox parties.
The speakership dispute is an early hurdle for the bloc, even before coalition negotiations have begun. Tasked by President Isaac Herzog to form a government, Eisenkot seeks control of the Knesset, which would enable legislative progress without a formal government.
Earlier, Roy Folkman of Yeshar reached out to Shas and United Torah Judaism to join the move to dismiss Ohana, as the 26th Knesset's swearing-in ceremony looms. Yeshar has started collecting signatures to request a vote on changing the speaker, needing 61 signatures to proceed.
However, United Torah Judaism's head, Yaakov Asher, rejected the request, leaving the left-wing camp short of the required majority, with only 48 seats. This led to considering Arab parties' support to replace Ohana, posing a dilemma for Lieberman, who opposes forming a government reliant on Arab parties.
The Knesset speakership battle is critical for advancing legislative projects, including potentially canceling laws from the judicial reform plan. Current Speaker Ohana stated that with 61 signatures, a vote could occur a week later, but an agreement on Eisenkot's nomination doesn't guarantee a vote during Tuesday's swearing-in.
The left-wing camp acknowledges the slim chances of forming a government this week due to disagreements over including Arab parties, ultra-Orthodox demands, and lack of a majority, continuing to impede negotiations.