Israel’s anti-Netanyahu parties are reportedly preparing their first major parliamentary power move since the election: removing Likud’s Amir Ohana as Knesset speaker when the new parliament convenes on November 10, even though a deal to form the next government remains elusive.
According to a Friday evening report by The Times of Israel, citing political analyst Barak Seri, parties opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reached an understanding to replace Ohana shortly after the 26th Knesset is sworn in. No candidate for the speakership has been formally confirmed, and the reported agreement still needs to translate into a parliamentary vote.
A parliamentary majority without a governing coalition
The election produced a complicated balance of power in the 120-seat Knesset. Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, the Jewish-led opposition parties secured 48, and the two Arab-led lists won a combined 19. Together, Netanyahu’s opponents and the Arab-led parties have 67 seats — enough for a vote on parliamentary leadership, but not evidence that they have agreed to govern together. Several opposition leaders have ruled out forming a governing coalition with the Arab-led parties.
That distinction is at the heart of the planned challenge. A temporary parliamentary majority could remove Ohana even if the same parties remain divided over who should become prime minister. The incoming Knesset is due to be sworn in on November 10, 2026, regardless of whether coalition negotiations have produced a government.
Yair Golan signals an immediate push
Appearing on Israel’s Channel 12 on Friday evening, The Democrats leader Yair Golan said his side intended to move first on appointing a new speaker, then on selecting committee chairs and establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, attacks. His remarks, reported by The Times of Israel, suggest that the speakership vote could be the opening step in a wider effort to take control of parliamentary business.
Former prime minister Yair Lapid has been mentioned in earlier reporting as one possible candidate to replace Ohana, though no final choice has been publicly established. Kan public broadcaster’s reporting also identified discussions about other potential candidates.
Why taking the speaker’s chair matters
The speaker oversees the Knesset’s proceedings and administration and helps ensure that parliamentary rules are followed. Removing Ohana, a Likud lawmaker who has held the office since December 2022, would therefore represent a meaningful transfer of parliamentary authority while Netanyahu remains in office pending formation of a new government. The Knesset’s own description of the role sets out these responsibilities.
The opposition could then seek to shape committee leadership and advance legislation or a state inquiry into the October 7 attacks. Such steps would still require the relevant parliamentary support and procedures; electing a new speaker would not automatically enact them.
Netanyahu faces a test on November 10
The immediate question is whether parties with sharply different views on coalition membership can agree on a speaker candidate and vote together. If they do, it would demonstrate an ability to coordinate inside the legislature even without resolving Israel’s government-formation deadlock. If the effort falters, the divisions within the anti-Netanyahu camp would remain on display.
For now, Ohana has not been removed, and a new speaker has not been elected. The reported deal, rather than a completed change in office, is the latest development in Israel’s post-election negotiations.
Read more: Why 67 seats outside Netanyahu’s bloc do not guarantee a new government.
