United Torah Judaism refuses to join move to replace Knesset Speaker Ohana; Yisrael Beytenu submits 67 signatures

In depth

Yisrael Beytenu faction chairman Roy Folkman wrote to the heads of Shas and United Torah Judaism and proposed that they join the collection of signatures to replace the Knesset speaker at the opening session of the 26th Knesset. In the letters he sent, he noted that the collection of signatures ahead of submitting the formal request was already underway.

United Torah Judaism rejected the request. Its chairman, MK Yaakov Asher, wrote in a letter to Yisrael Beytenu chairman Folkman that replacing the Knesset speaker should take place in parallel with the formation of a new government and not as a separate move. Shas did not express a similar position, and negotiations over the conscription law form the backdrop to the move.

Yisrael Beytenu submitted 67 signatures of 26th Knesset members to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, demanding a vote to elect a new Knesset speaker. The candidacy of MK Matan Kahana was formally submitted. Ohana set the date for the discussion on his replacement for next Tuesday.