Yariv Levin to become temporary Knesset speaker as coalition negotiations continue

Likud MK Yariv Levin will be appointed temporary Knesset speaker tomorrow, according to several Hebrew media reports.

Levin, who is expected to ultimately receive a senior ministerial post, will only serve in the role until a permanent appointee can be agreed upon.

Firebrand MK David Amsalem is considered a contender for the position.

The incoming government led a push to oust the current speaker, Yesh Atid MK Mickey Levy, even before the next coalition has been sworn in.

The election of a new speaker from the Netanyahu-led bloc is an essential pre-condition for the planned right-religious coalition to take office, since several of Netanyahu’s intended ministerial appointments and commitments to incoming coalition parties require changes to existing legislation, and the Knesset speaker exerts considerable control over the Knesset’s legislative schedule.