MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud), who was the Knesset Speaker in the 19th Knesset, will serve in the same position in the 20th Knesset as well.

Edelstein was chosen for the position by an overwhelming majority on Tuesday, with 103 MKs voting in favor. There were no objections, and only 7 abstentions – all by MKs from the Joint Arab List.

The vote took place during the inaugural session of the 20th Knesset, during which the 120 MKs were sworn in.

MK Amir Peretz of the Zionist Union, who served as interim Knesset Speaker until Edelstein’s reappointment by virtue of his being the most senior MK, said prior to the vote, “I thought that the right thing is to choose the permanent Speaker immediately, because the Likud faction chose MK Edelstein and it was clear that he would indeed serve as Knesset Speaker.”

Following the vote, Edelstein thanked the members of the Knesset for their trust in him.

“I would like to address specifically the newcomers among you, who number a third of the members of the Knesset: Please treat this place as a sacred place.”

“Do not let the detractors and cynics distract you and weaken your hands,” he continued. “Today you are entering a job which is unparalleled when it comes to public mission. Shoulder the burden of the people; be attentive to the public; even when you fulfill certain roles here, always place the citizen and his concerns at the front.”