Israel's Newly Elected Parliament Sworn In Amid Coalition Negotiations

Israel’s newly elected parliament, the 26th Knesset, was sworn in on Tuesday, November 10, as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot faces a December 6 deadline to form a government and replace caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu . All 120 lawmakers took the oath of allegiance during the inaugural session, held amid ongoing coalition negotiations following the October 27 election. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc secured 53 seats, while parties opposed to him won 67, leaving the opposition with a parliamentary majority but no agreed coalition. The swearing-in ceremony also saw military reservist Elisha Madan, who lost both legs during the war on Gaza, receive an ovation from lawmakers after standing on his prosthetic legs. President Isaac Herzog, who presided over the session, urged lawmakers to reach a compromise and prevent another election. “Everything possible must be done to avoid another election,” Herzog said, calling on political rivals to work together and prioritise national stability. He said Israelis were seeking security and a return to normal life following the October 7, 2023, Hamas -led attack and the subsequent war on Gaza . Herzog also called for an investigation into the events of October 7, a resolution to the military conscription dispute and stronger relations with the United States and other allies. Following the inaugural session, Netanyahu addressed lawmakers at a ceremonial toast, warning that Iran was working to revive its nuclear threat. “The only way to permanently remove this existential threat is through the downfall of the Ayatollah regime,” he said. Netanyahu warned that Israel would soon face international pressure to accept Iran as a nuclear power and tolerate what he described as a regime seeking its destruction. He also cautioned that Israel could be pressured to retreat from what he called its “monumental achievements” and progress in establishing security zones. Urging lawmakers to set aside political differences, Netanyahu renewed his call for a national unity government, arguing that only such an administration could address the challenges facing Israel. Eisenkot subsequently criticised Netanyahu’s address, describing it as “delusional, divisive, hateful and disgraceful”. In a post on X, the opposition leader accused the outgoing prime minister of abusing a state occasion to deliver a divisive speech. He said the address had further convinced him that Netanyahu should not remain in office. Eisenkot called for the urgent formation of a national emergency government, arguing that Netanyahu’s continued rule was dividing Israel and endangering its security. In another post, he described Israel as standing at a historic crossroads, saying the country was facing some of its most challenging days since its founding. He pledged to work towards meeting the expectations of those who had placed their trust in him and the wider Israeli public. Herzog tasked Eisenkot, a former military chief, with forming a government on Sunday, November 8. He has 28 days to secure the necessary parliamentary support, with a possible 14-day extension that would take the deadline to December 20. Eisenkot has acknowledged that forming a government would be exceptionally difficult. His options include establishing a minority government with support from Arab parties, reaching an agreement with ultra-Orthodox factions or negotiating a national unity government with Netanyahu’s Likud party. If Eisenkot fails to form a coalition, Herzog could invite another lawmaker, including Netanyahu, to attempt to assemble a government. If subsequent efforts also fail, Israel could face another election. Meanwhile, opposition parties are seeking to strengthen their position in parliament by replacing key officeholders. Eisenkot’s Yashar party said more than 61 lawmakers had signed a request to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of Likud. The opposition has nominated Yashar lawmaker Matan Kahana as his successor . Opposition allies have also agreed on candidates to lead key parliamentary committees. Avigdor Lieberman has been proposed as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, while Liran Avisar Ben Horin, from former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s party, has been nominated to head the Finance Committee. If appointed, she would become the first woman to hold the position. Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed and takes office.