Discussions are ongoing as to whom in Machane Tzioni will replace Yitzchak Herzog as head of the opposition in Knesset as Herzog will be leaving to enter his new post as the new Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

While Avi Gabbai was elected to head Machane Tzioni, he resigned from the cabinet as a Kulanu minister and is not a member of Knesset today. He did however run in the race for the party’s leadership slot and emerged the winner.

Therefore, Herzog continued as the opposition leader instead of Gabbai. Now, there is a need to appoint someone to replace Herzog. One of the party MKs who feels qualified for the job is Shelly Yacimovich, who serves as chairwoman of the Knesset Audit Committee.

Walla News reports that MK Tzipi Livni has been tapped for the post by Gabbai, who makes her acceptance of the position conditional to ongoing cooperation with the Labor party. Gabbai feels this is his offer, and if she does not accept it, then the ongoing cooperation would be a thing of the past.

The head of the opposition is considered to be most desirable because it comes with a large bureau, an armored vehicle, Shin Bet security, a monthly meeting with the prime minister, a periodic update on political and security matters, an upgraded bureau in the Knesset and a higher salary than that of a Knesset member. The opposition leader in the Knesset speaks immediately after the Prime Minister in any political debate, if and when it will take place and in other traditional discussions.

Walla reports that Livni is considering the post and has yet to response.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)