Opposition bloc eyes Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker role

The anti-Netanyahu bloc is weighing the appointment of Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid as Knesset speaker within two weeks, contingent on successfully forming a coalition, KAN News reported on Wednesday evening. Lapid, who is second on the B’Yachad list led by Naftali Bennett, is not a candidate for prime minister.

The coalition, comprising Yashar, B’Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu and the Democrats, is projected to secure 48 seats in the upcoming Knesset, according to data from the Central Elections Committee. Earlier reports indicated that bloc leaders were discussing a replacement for current speaker Amir Ohana and aim to finalize a candidate by the swearing-in ceremony.

Election tallies released by the committee show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc expected to hold 53 seats, with Likud projected for 26 seats and allied parties sharing the remainder. The Arab parties are projected to win 19 seats, with the Joint List at 12 and Ra'am at 7.

"We are working toward a broad agreement to replace the speaker before a coalition deal is finalized," a bloc source said.

If the coalition proceeds, Lapid could assume the speaker’s chair, positioning the opposition bloc for a significant procedural role in the new Knesset.