New Knesset Speaker Could Be Key to Ousting Netanyahu as Israel’s PM
Opposition politicians get first chance to take control of levers of power, even as they struggle to form government
TL;DR
- Israel's opposition is set to be sworn into the new Knesset, with a primary goal of replacing the influential speaker and gaining power.
- Gadi Eisenkot, who has the mandate to form a coalition, may take the speaker role, or a nominee from his party will be put forward.
- Over 160 former security officials warned of potential violent disruptions by right-wing activists during the Knesset swearing-in.
- The opposition bloc holds 67 seats, enough to elect a speaker, but internal divides, especially concerning Palestinian-led parties, complicate coalition formation.
- Avigdor Lieberman is exploring an alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties frustrated with Netanyahu over military draft exemptions.
- Eisenkot acknowledged that some election promises would need to be broken to achieve a government capable of unseating Netanyahu.
- Even if a new government is formed, Netanyahu's allies could delay its formalization, and if the opposition fails, Netanyahu would remain caretaker prime minister.
- Establishing an alternative government, even a minority one, would make it harder to oust them later.