Opposition pushes to replace Knesset speaker amid fears of Likud 'January 6' plot to block vote
According to opposition sources, hundreds of Likud Central Committee members are expected to arrive at the Knesset on the day of the vote and attempt to block lawmakers from entering the chamber.
On Thursday, opposition party leaders sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana demanding a debate and vote to elect a new Knesset speaker as early as Tuesday. The 120 elected members will be sworn in on Tuesday, regardless of a coalition government's formation. Ohana responded to the demand, stating that the election date will only be set once the new government is formed, unless at least 61 MKs sign a letter requesting an earlier vote.
Opposition leaders Gidi Aiznkoat, Naftali Bennet, Joseph Gebairin, Yair Golan, Mansour Abbas, and Avigdor Liberman called for an earlier vote, stating that such a request would require a majority of Knesset members. Netanyahu's Likud bloc has been accused of planning to disrupt the vote, potentially by physically preventing MKs from entering the plenum, or by causing widespread disruptions during the debate to force Ohana to suspend the session and close the plenum.
While the opposition is determined to proceed with the speaker's replacement, the allegations remain unverified. The opposition also faces internal disagreements over the candidate for Knesset speaker, with Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid at odds. Both oppose incumbent speaker Amir Ohana, and no decision on a new candidate has been reached.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
