Preliminary talks among opposition parties ahead of the 26th Knesset’s opening session have run into a major obstacle. According to i24NEWS correspondent Amiel Yarkhi, the Joint List is firmly opposed to the appointment of Yisrael Beiteinu MK Oded Forer as Knesset speaker.
Sources in the Joint List said Forer’s candidacy is completely unacceptable to them, describing it as a red flag for the faction. Their opposition stems from the hardline positions Forer and Yisrael Beiteinu have taken toward the Arab parties over the years.
The veto creates a serious complication for the change bloc. Channel 13’s Michael Shemesh reported last night that for Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman, installing Forer as speaker is a key condition for recommending Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government.
Because the opposition needs a Knesset majority to replace sitting Speaker Amir Ohana before a coalition can be formed, the Joint List’s objection leaves Liberman unable to secure the post for his ally without its support.
