The leaders of Israel's change bloc parties have reached an agreement on the allocation of senior positions in the 26th Knesset, even before the process of forming a new government has begun. The understandings include agreed candidates for key parliamentary posts, including Knesset speaker and the chairs of major committees.
Under the agreement, former Religious Services Minister and incoming MK Matan Kahana is set to become speaker of the 26th Knesset.
Incoming MK Roy Folkman is expected to chair the Arrangements Committee, which oversees parliamentary operations and the organization of Knesset committees at the start of a new parliamentary term.
Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman is slated to chair the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which is responsible for deliberations on legislation concerning exemptions from military service. Liran Avishar Ben-Horin is expected to head the Finance Committee.
According to the announcement, the composition of the committees will be discussed and finalized during Arrangements Committee deliberations throughout the week before being submitted to the Knesset plenum for approval this coming Wednesday.
The party leaders also reached agreements on establishing special committees in the 26th Knesset, with further details expected to be released at a later date.
The agreements come as the leaders of the change bloc parties seek to strengthen political and parliamentary cooperation ahead of the formation of Israel's next government.
