Amir Ohana
Amir Ohana is an Israeli politician serving as the Speaker of the Knesset. A member of the Likud party, he has previously held senior ministerial roles and is a prominent figure in the national-liberal wing of the Israeli right, currently leading the legislative branch during a period of intense constitutional friction.
Amir Ohana is a central figure in Israel's Likud party and currently serves as the Speaker of the Knesset, the first openly LGBTQ individual to hold this high constitutional office. Throughout his career, Ohana has been a vocal advocate for judicial reform, national sovereignty, and the strengthening of the legislative branch's authority relative to the judiciary. His political philosophy combines a firm security-first approach with liberal civil views, positioning him as a unique bridge within the nationalist camp.
Before becoming Speaker, Ohana served in several key cabinet positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Public Security. In these roles, he frequently challenged the traditional legal establishment, arguing for a more balanced distribution of power that reflects the will of the voters. His tenure has often been marked by a commitment to protecting the rights of Israeli residents in Judea and Samaria and ensuring that the IDF and security forces have the necessary legal backing to perform their duties effectively.
In 2026, Ohana's leadership has been defined by his defense of the Knesset's supremacy. Recent reports have highlighted his pride in the Knesset's refusal to comply with certain High Court directives, such as the order to hold new elections for State Comptroller. Ohana has characterized such defiance as a necessary assertion of the legislature's independence against what he describes as judicial overreach. As Speaker, he remains a pivotal actor in navigating the complex legislative landscape of the 25th Knesset, particularly as the body moves to pass declarations asserting that its laws are immune to judicial invalidation. His leadership emphasizes the Knesset's role as the sovereign representative of the Israeli people, often placing him at the forefront of the ongoing constitutional debate between the branches of government.
