Channel 12 parliamentary correspondent Yaron Avraham criticized the names being considered for the next Knesset speaker on Monday evening, warning against turning the role into part of political job-sharing deals. In remarks posted on X, Avraham explained why choosing a Knesset speaker requires experience and deep familiarity with the work of the legislature, especially at a time when no government has yet been formed.
"Lesson from my years as a parliamentary correspondent: the role of Knesset speaker is not just another job in the chain of work arrangements, and certainly not when a government has not yet been formed," Avraham wrote at the outset.
He went on to describe the skills required of whoever fills the position, stressing that it is a role demanding an understanding of the parliamentary system and of the limits of action vis-à-vis the legal adviser.
"Very quickly they will discover that this job requires experience, familiarity with the Knesset, inside knowledge, understanding of the boundaries of the possible and impossible vis-à-vis legal counsel, and above all someone whom the Knesset does not bore," he wrote.
The remarks come against the backdrop of contacts between Yesh! party leader Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman over the identity of the next Knesset speaker. According to a report by Michael Shemesh, after days of contacts and attempts to advance several candidates for the role, Bennett conveyed a message to Eisenkot that he would be the one to choose the permanent Knesset speaker.
