Amir Ohana to be named minister after Knesset speaker ouster

As the opposition and the Change Bloc prepare for a vote expected next week to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and remove him from the post in favor of MK Matan Kahana, Likud sources estimate that Ohana will not remain long without a senior position in the leadership.

According to a report by Eli Zilberberg in Israel Hayom, ministers in the Likud party estimate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will appoint his close ally Ohana, who won second place in the Likud primaries, as a minister in his government immediately after his term as Knesset speaker ends.

Because this is a transitional government period, Ohana's appointment to a ministerial post does not require the approval of the Knesset plenum, which will allow the prime minister to move quickly.

The scenarios on the table, according to the report: the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Health, or Welfare. Following the resignation of the chareidi ministers, these portfolios are currently held in trust by Likud ministers Chaim Katz and Yariv Levin. Transferring one of the portfolios to Ohana would provide a management solution for the vacant ministries.

Another possibility being examined is appointing Ohana to the position of Minister for Strategic Affairs, which has been vacant since Ron Dermer's resignation. Alongside the ministerial appointment, Likud sources estimate that Ohana will also be immediately integrated into the political-security cabinet.

Yesterday, the Yashar party submitted to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana 67 signatures from members of the 26th Knesset, demanding his replacement and a vote in the Knesset plenum to elect a new Knesset speaker. As part of the request, the candidacy of MK and former minister Matan Kahana for the position of speaker of the 26th Knesset was formally submitted.

MK Matan Kahana (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The move to oust Ohana from his position comes following agreements reached between the heads of the Change Bloc: Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan. Under the agreements, it was determined that Matan Kahana will be appointed Knesset speaker, Liberman will head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and Liran Avisar Ben Horin will serve as chair of the temporary Finance Committee.

Ohana has set the vote on electing the new Knesset speaker for Tuesday of next week. In the meantime, he continues to manage the Knesset, as he did in the debate on the composition of the Arrangements Committee.