Gadi Eisenkot Plans to Replace Knesset Speaker Before Forming New Government

Eisenkot Eyes Swift Transition to Power

Gadi Eisenkot plans to swear in a new Israeli government immediately after replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, i24NEWS reported on Sunday.

President Isaac Herzog tasked the Yashar party leader with forming a government after 67 members of the Knesset recommended him, according to reporting from i24NEWS. Eisenkot is scheduled to meet with Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman on Monday to work toward a coalition agreement, with intentions to sign final agreements on guiding principles and role allocations later in the week.

The Parliamentary Battle Over the Speaker’s Chair

Four opposition parties demanded a parliamentary vote during the November 10 inaugural session to oust Ohana, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the Likud party, according to The Times of Israel.

Ohana stated he cannot block a successor’s election if a majority agrees on a candidate, adding he would not fight relinquishing the post.

Ohana stated in a statement addressed to opposition leaders: The customary time to elect a Knesset speaker is when the government is formed. He added that reports of him fighting his position were conspiracy theories. Ohana noted that if at least 61 lawmakers sign a letter asking to elect a speaker earlier, he will schedule the debate for an earlier date no later than a week, stating: We will respect the members of Knesset, and if a majority of them request such a debate, I will schedule it for an earlier date, no later than a week. Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad proposed outgoing Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, the party’s No. 2, for the position, with his candidacy also backed by Yisrael Beytenu chair Avigdor Liberman, while Eisenkot’s Yashar wants the post for one of its own lawmakers.

A clear majority of 67 MKs who do not support Netanyahu emerged in the Knesset compared to 46 who do, drawing comparisons to a 2020 precedent involving former Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein, who refused to convene the Knesset to vote on a new speaker and violated a High Court ruling.

Unlocking Blocked Legislation on October 7 Inquiries

Replacing Ohana would allow the opposition to advance legislation previously blocked by Netanyahu, including potential inquiries into the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre and prime ministerial term limits, The Times of Israel noted.

Eisenkot Faces Internal Bloc Opposition to Potential Cooperation

Eisenkot faces internal bloc opposition to potential cooperation with ultra-Orthodox and Arab factions, according to i24NEWS. Haaretz reported that Eisenkot is not expected to inform President Herzog this week that he has successfully established a government, despite his push for an emergency cabinet.

Meanwhile, the change bloc continues discussions to bring right-wing Knesset members, particularly from Likud, into a broader coalition framework. Eisenkot is expected to meet with Avigdor Lieberman on Monday to pursue a coalition agreement ahead of scheduled role allocations.