'Israeli' opposition leaders reach deal to take key Knesset posts ahead of government formation
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- The accord positions the bloc to assume control over parliamentary procedure, budgetary oversight, and defense scrutiny
Leaders of 'Israel’s' opposition and reform parties have finalized an agreement allocating key leadership positions in the 26th Knesset during the interim period of government formation, MK Gadi Eisenkot said on Monday.
The agreement unites former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, Yisrael Beiteinu chief Avigdor Lieberman, The Democrats leader Yair Golan, and Eisenkot in a coordinated push to establish parliamentary control prior to the swearing-in of a new administration.
Under the framework agreed upon by the party leaders, the bloc designated candidates for four premier parliamentary positions, nominating former minister Matan Kahana for Speaker of the Knesset, former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman to head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, incoming lawmaker Liran Avisar Ben-Horrin to lead the Finance Committee, and incoming MK Roy Folkman as chair of the House Committee.
The consolidation of these posts grants the bloc substantial leverage over the legislative apparatus.
By positioning allies at the head of the speakership and the House Committee, the faction gains influence over the parliamentary schedule and the pacing of coalition confidence votes, while the Finance and Foreign Affairs committees provide direct oversight of state disbursements and defense policies.
According to Eisenkot, the composition of the respective committees will be debated and finalized during House Committee proceedings throughout the week, with the slate scheduled for a formal confirmation vote in the Knesset plenum next Wednesday.
The leaders also agreed to form special Knesset committees, with further details expected in subsequent announcements.
