Jerusalem:Matan Kahana, a retired Israeli Air Force colonel and former F-16 squadron commander, has been proposed by the Yashar party to replace current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. This move comes amid efforts by parties opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to shift the parliamentary leadership.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Ohana has scheduled a vote for November 17 following a request signed by 67 lawmakers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Netanyahu's opponents to change the leadership in the Knesset as negotiations continue over the formation of the next government.

Kahana, aged 54, was born in Haifa and has a distinguished military career spanning approximately 28 years, including participation in Israel's conflicts with Gaza and Lebanon. His transition to politics began in 2019 with the New Right party, eventually serving as the religious services minister from June 2021 to May 2022.

Kahana's political journey has seen him involved with multiple parties, including the National Unity alliance and Yashar, where he is now a founding member. His nomination is part of a concerted effort to end Netanyahu's tenure, despite ongoing disagreements among the varied opposition parties on governance strategies.