Israeli opposition moves to replace parliament speaker amid disturbance fears

Opposition lawmakers push to replace the Israeli parliament speaker amid fears of blockades.

Israeli opposition factions are pushing to replace the parliament speaker, while concerns grow that ruling party loyalists might disrupt the vote. Outgoing speaker Amir Ohana announced he would arrange a ballot within a week of receiving sixty-one legislative signatures. Tensions surround the legislative chamber as political groups maneuver for control of the assembly.

• The thresholdA vote to choose a new speaker requires formal signatures from at least 61 lawmakers.
• The concernOpposition sources worry that hundreds of ruling party central committee members will attempt to block assembly access.
• The transitionOutgoing speaker Amir Ohana stated he intends to step down without clinging to his position.