Likud says all of Netanyahu bloc has endorsed replacing Knesset speaker

Likud announces that the all the factions in presumed incoming premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-religious bloc have endorsed replacing Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy with one of their own.

A statement from Likud also cites “significant progress” on forming a government over the past several hours, without elaborating.

It’s not immediately clear if Levy will convene the plenum this week to select his replacement. If not, the vote is expected to be held next Monday.

It is also remains unclear who Netanyahu and his allies will select as the new speaker, which will give them control of the Knesset even before the coalition they are working to assemble is sworn in.