Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein resigned his role Wednesday morning ahead of a scheduled vote ordered by the Supreme Court on who would serve as speaker of the 23rd Knesset.
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In a snap parliamentary plenum session, Edelstein slammed the court for the decision, saying this was tantamount to judicial overreach and that he could not in good conscience comply with it.
Addressing the Knesset plenum, Edelstin said, "This Monday, the High Court of Justice ruled that the Knesset speaker must call a vote on the selection of a new Knesset speaker. The High Court ruling is not based on the letter of the law, but on unilateral and radical interpretation. The High Court's ruling contradicts Knesset regulations. The High Court ruling tramples the work of the Knesset. The High Court ruling comprises blatant and arrogant interference by the judicial branch in the matters of the elected legislative branch. The High Court ruling is an unprecedented blow to the sovereignty of the people and the sovereignty of the Knesset. The High Court ruling undermines the foundations of Israeli democracy."
Edelstein noted that "as a democrat, as a Jewish Zionist, as one who has battled dark regimes, and as the speaker of parliament, I say that the High Court ruling is incorrect and brings to light dangerous problems," vowing he would "not lend my hand to a war between brothers."
He went on to say that in order to "renew the spirit of governability in Israel – I am resigning," Edelstein.
He then submitted his resignation and adjourned the session. The resignation will take effect after 48 hours.
On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered Edelstein to hold an election for the speakership no later than Wednesday, as is customary after a new Knesset is inaugurated.
The ruling essentially overruled Edelstein's decision to put this content on hold, presumably because there was an emerging majority by the Left and its allies to oust him.
This ruling also deepened a standoff between opponents and supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Last week Edelstein suspended parliamentary activities, citing procedural issues and restrictions on large gatherings due to the coronavirus crisis.
The anti-Netanyahu Blue and White alliance, which is backed by a slim majority in the newly-elected Knesset, said the country's legislature must continue to function at such a critical time. The party accused Edelstein of shuttering the halls of the legislature in order to keep his job and shield his beleaguered party leader.
"Democracy and law in Israel will be protected even if it's not comfortable for someone," Blue and White leader Benny Gantz said.
Blue and White is expected to choose a new speaker and use its de facto parliamentary majority to push through legislation that could prevent Netanyahu from serving as prime minister in the future.
The Likud party has accused Blue and White of relying on the votes of anti-Israel Arab MKs to "trample democracy" amid a national state of emergency and vowed to boycott a vote for a new speaker.
