Change of Knesset Speaker.. Tibi Proposes Actions for Arab Parties After Elections

Tel Aviv - Afaq News - Ahmad Tibi, the head of the "Democratic Front for Peace and Equality - Arab List" coalition, outlined during an interview with Channel 12 that there are steps that Arab parties can take after the elections, in case the opposition to the government gains a majority in the Knesset, even without reaching agreements on forming a government.

Tibi stated that there is a "set of steps" that can be implemented immediately after the elections, noting that the options are not limited to joining the government.

He clarified that he would support a rival candidate to the current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, saying: "Do you think we will vote for Amir Ohana? We will support the opposing candidate for the Knesset presidency."

Tibi pointed out that electing a new Knesset Speaker immediately after the elections could have significant political implications, stating that electing a Speaker means "complete control over the Knesset."

Under this scenario, the opposition parties to the current coalition may seek to form a parliamentary majority as the new Knesset begins its work, before the government is formed.

The Speaker of the Knesset has powers in managing the affairs of the general assembly, and along with his deputies, influences the Knesset's agenda and pushes certain parliamentary procedures.

In response to a question about the possibility of Arab parties recommending a candidate to the President for forming the government, Tibi said: "In my opinion, we will do more than that," pointing out that Arab parties have previously recommended a candidate for the premiership.

Tibi had rejected the claim that strengthening the power of Arab parties makes it difficult for the change camp to achieve a majority, stating that three Arab political forces have united within a joint list, while another list remains, which is the United Arab List.

He noted that the two lists have signed a surplus votes agreement, adding that the expected voting rate in the Arab community has increased, currently estimated at about 60%.

In response to a question about the possibility of not forming a majority government without the Arab parties, Tibi confirmed that the options available to them are not limited to participating in the government, saying: "There are different matters, and a set of steps, immediately after the elections, that can change the reality."

In response, the Likud party stated, in a comment on the interview, that Taibi's statements reveal, as described, a plan to form a government with the participation of Arab parties, and linked this to the replacement of the Knesset Speaker after the elections.

Taibi's statements come in light of the Israeli elections scheduled for 2026, amid discussions about the nature of the alliances and political scenarios that may form following the announcement of the results.