Change Bloc seeks signatures to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana

Israel's Change Bloc has begun collecting 61 signatures to force an election for Knesset Speaker, aiming to replace Amir Ohana before Tuesday's swearing-in. Bloc leaders have not agreed on a candidate, with Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot considered. Arab parties offered support if a consensus candidate is chosen by Monday.

The Change Bloc has begun collecting 61 MK signatures to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, as reported this morning on Kan News' "The Morning Show." The signatures, representing a majority, would allow the bloc to demand immediate elections for the position. It is estimated that the signatures will be submitted to Ohana even before the Knesset is sworn in on Tuesday, in order to force him to convene the plenum. Ohana stated that a timeframe of one week from the request to the discussion seems reasonable to him, and the election of a new speaker is expected in about a week and a half. The bloc's parties are expected to submit signatures separately, but Yisrael Beiteinu and the Arab parties are ready to sign a joint document. The bloc leaders met this week but did not reach an agreement on the identity of the candidate, although they agreed to advance the appointment of a State Comptroller. In the office of Prime Minister Netanyahu, a message was conveyed to Eisenkot that unity government talks would not take place if Ohana is replaced.