Israeli Opposition’s First Move: Agreement to Remove Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana

Tel Aviv: As the newly elected Knesset (parliament) prepares to take its oath, Israel’s opposition bloc has begun advancing its first major political strategy. According to local media reports, the opposition bloc opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that, regardless of the outcome of government formation, its first priority will be to remove current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of the Likud party from his position.

The Knesset speaker holds significant powers over the parliamentary agenda, legislation, voting procedures and the formation of various committees. The opposition believes that removing Ohana would enable the anti-Netanyahu camp to exercise control over key parliamentary decisions, even if Netanyahu remains in office as head of a caretaker government. The speaker is elected through an open vote at the beginning of a new Knesset term. To remove Amir Ohana and appoint its own candidate, the opposition bloc would need the support of at least 61 members of the 120-seat parliament. It is also considering seeking the backing of Arab parties. The move does not require the formation of a new government or an agreement on a governing coalition.

Political Crisis Deepens After Inconclusive Election Results

Meanwhile, Israel’s political crisis has intensified following the release of preliminary election results. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem yesterday, urging opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to form an alliance with Arab political parties in order to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power. In Tuesday’s preliminary election results, no bloc secured a clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Jewish parties opposed to Netanyahu won 48 seats, while the two Arab-majority parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, secured a combined total of 19 seats. If the two groups join forces, they would hold 67 seats, potentially giving them a clear majority against Netanyahu.

However, serious disagreements persist within the opposition bloc. Gadi Eisenkot has said that he would form only a “Zionist government”, while right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman has also rejected cooperation with Arab parties, describing it as “relying on supporters of terrorism”. In contrast, Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing Democrats Party, has expressed full support for an alliance with Arab parties. Netanyahu and his supporters have accused the Arab parties of alleged election fraud and receiving financial assistance from Qatar, describing such cooperation as a “disaster” for Israel. President Isaac Herzog is expected to issue the mandate to form a government by Thursday. Meanwhile, observers believe that Netanyahu may see the threats of a possible attack on Iran as an opportunity to gain additional political time.