Yashar! leader seeks ultra-Orthodox allies as opposition moves to replace Knesset speaker
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Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party is courting ultra-Orthodox parties and coordinating with Arab lawmakers to oust Speaker Amir Ohana and push a legislative agenda before a new government is formed.
Israel's 26th Knesset will be sworn in on November 10, and the opposition bloc led by Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot is preparing to challenge the incumbent Speaker Amir Ohana. The bloc aims to replace Ohaka at the opening session and use the position to advance a state commission of inquiry, repeal the judicial-overhaul laws and introduce mandatory national service.
Eisenkot is intensifying outreach to ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, hoping to secure a parliamentary majority without Arab party support. A source close to Eisenkot said the effort faces resistance from Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, who pledged not to join a government that includes ultra-Orthodox factions.
Likud, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is working to block the opposition's plan. The party has launched a social-media campaign questioning the legitimacy of any parliamentary move that relies on Arab parties and is pressuring lawmakers who might withhold their votes. Likud denied accusations that it has been contacting Yashar! members to undermine the emerging majority.
"In recent hours, there has been outright panic within Likud, including phone calls to Yashar! members from ministers and incoming Knesset members," the Yashar! party said.
"Gadi and Manelis are under pressure because we are disrupting their plans to cooperate with parties that support terrorism," Likud responded.
The opposition also seeks to secure Arab backing for the speaker vote. Joint List lawmaker Ahmad Tibi has pledged support for a replacement candidate, arguing that a parliamentary decision differs from a coalition agreement that includes Arab parties.
If Eisenkot obtains the first mandate to form a government, a Yashar! lawmaker would chair the Knesset's Arrangements Committee, giving the bloc additional procedural influence during the transition.
Eisenkot outlined four principles for any future coalition – recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal and egalitarian state; adherence to the Declaration of Independence; universal mandatory service; and designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization – and said any Knesset member willing to sign on could join the proposed government.
The battle over the speaker’s seat is seen as a key step that could shape the legislative agenda even if coalition talks remain unresolved.