The Israeli "Change Camp" led by Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming the government, is preparing to oust Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, before the new parliament convenes to take the oath of office next Tuesday.
Consultations to Form a Majority
Eisenkot has agreed with Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, that the new Knesset speaker should come from the "Yesh Atid" party, a move aimed at managing parliamentary work during the six weeks preceding the deadline for forming the government. The alliances aim to pass laws including the establishment of an official inquiry committee into the events of October 7, 2023, the repeal of judicial laws, and the approval of the "Defendant Law," which prevents individuals facing criminal indictments from assuming the premiership.
Parliamentary Challenges
The plan faced rejection from the Haredi "Yahadut HaTorah" party, which opposed replacing the Knesset speaker at the inaugural session, arguing that the change should coincide with the formation of the government. Channel 14 reported that the "Change Camp" holds only 48 seats, necessitating reliance on Arab blocs, which hold 19 seats, to surpass the 61-seat threshold required to oust Ohana.
Presidential Mandate and International Trial
Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially handed Eisenkot the letter of mandate after receiving recommendations from 67 lawmakers, compared to 46 for Netanyahu. Eisenkot has a 28-day deadline to form the governing coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. Netanyahu has faced internal trials since 2020, in addition to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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