Israel’s Religious Zionism, Jewish Power parties said to oppose Tibi as deputy Knesset speaker

According to Israeli media, the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties want to keep Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi from becoming the Knesset’s deputy speaker, a role he has held since 2006.

Israel’s Channel 12 news indicated that the United Torah Judaism and Shas political parties plan to confirm Tibi’s role following a long-standing “alliance of minorities” that has existed between the Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties.

Tibi is the leader of the Ta’al political party, which he founded in the 1990s. The party advocates a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as a return to pre-1967 borders, requiring Israel to relinquish territory gained in a defensive war.

Tibi often clashes with Jewish Power's Itamar Ben Gvir – newly-appointed minister of national security – with the latter calling the Arab MK a terrorist in July 2021. While the Likud party apparently plans to support Tibi’s continued role, at least one Likud MK, Tali Gottlieb, called for other Likud members not to vote for Tibi.

Jewish Power’s Zvika Fogel expressed opposition to Tibi’s continued role in a radio interview with Israel’s 103FM radio earlier on Monday.

“If it were up to me, Tibi would not serve in the Knesset because we cannot have enemies within our Knesset,” Fogel said.

It is believed that Netanyahu will support Tibi remaining in the position, to ensure continued support from the Ta’al party, despite the MK not being a member of the governing coalition.