Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana Sets November 17 Vote to Elect Parliament's Speaker
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana has scheduled a debate followed by a vote to elect the 26th Knesset's speaker for Tuesday, November 17. The sitting opens at 16:00 Israel time, following a formal request from 67 lawmakers.
Former minister Matan Kahana, a lawmaker from Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party, is the candidate backed by the bloc seeking a new government. His selection and the scheduled sitting move the contest beyond the earlier understanding on the speakership reached during coalition negotiations.
A Formal Request Produces a Date
Ohana announced the timetable on November 10 after receiving the lawmakers' signatures. His statement, published by Israeli outlets including Israel Hayom and Ynet, said the plenary would begin with a debate and then hold the vote.
The request came on the day the 120 members of the new Knesset were sworn in. The election of October 27 produced a new parliament, while negotiations over a cabinet continued on a separate track.
Kahana Becomes the Bloc's Candidate
Ynet reported that Eisenkot informed the other party leaders on Tuesday that Kahana would be their candidate.
Ohana criticised the proposed political direction behind the move, saying he opposed legislation that would strengthen the attorney general's position. He also said he would respect the will of the parliamentary majority and convene the sitting.
Parliament Can Act Before a Cabinet Is Formed
The speaker contest runs alongside Israel's government formation process.
In a November 10 explanation of the parliamentary procedures, the Law Library of Congress states that the Knesset can elect a speaker, establish committees, legislate and oversee the outgoing government before a new cabinet takes office.
The Israel Democracy Institute explains that the outgoing speaker remains in office temporarily if elected to the new Knesset. A successor must be chosen no later than the sitting at which a government is established, but members can elect one earlier.
The Office Shapes Parliamentary Work
The speaker presides over the chamber, maintains order and oversees compliance with parliamentary rules. Together with the deputy speakers, the office also helps organise which matters reach the plenary and in what order.
The Law Library of Congress describes the election as an open vote decided by a simple majority. It also notes that the speaker's election is followed by the choice of up to nine deputy speakers, who together form the Knesset Presidium.
