Israel’s new parliament swore in on Tuesday, setting up a high-stakes legislative battle as opposition parties move to curb Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s powers.
Eisenkot Pledges Policy Reversals
Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming a new Israeli government, pledged on Tuesday to reverse many of Netanyahu’s policies. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has up to six weeks to form a government that would end the tenure of Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, 1News reported.
While it remains unclear whether Eisenkot can forge a coalition, the new Knesset can enact legislation in the meantime because Netanyahu’s opponents control a solid majority in parliament.
“We will act for all citizens of Israel, those who voted for us and those who did not, out of deep commitment,” Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, said ahead of the Knesset swearing-in ceremony.
Eisenkot’s bloc introduced a series of bills at the start of the session targeting Netanyahu and his policies. According to 1News, these include launching an official government-led inquiry into the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, setting term limits for the prime minister, and overturning judicial changes made by the outgoing government.
The Guardian reported that these measures could block Netanyahu from taking power again, as he has ruled Israel for 19 of the last 30 years.
Seizing Control of Knesset Leadership
Opposition lawmakers deployed their majority to seize control of the legislature from Netanyahu and his allies, according to The Guardian. A majority of members submitted signatures calling for the ousting of current speaker Amir Ohana, a Netanyahu ally. The Guardian said that Ohana has tabled the vote on a new speaker for next Tuesday, which is the latest date possible.
The opposition nominated Matan Kahana, a senior member of Eisenkot’s Yashar party, for the job. The NZ Herald reported that the current speaker, Amir Ohana, granted a request from 67 Knesset members to hold a vote for his successor “despite my strong opposition to the intention of the emerging coalition”.
Clashes Over Coalition and Security
Tensions flared immediately during the swearing-in ceremony as lawmakers traded sharp words. Netanyahu delivered a speech attacking Arab-led parties and Jewish opposition leaders willing to partner with them, calling Arab politicians “terror supporters,” according to The Guardian.
“I ask you: Are you prepared to be dependent on those whose goal is the destruction of the Jewish state?” Netanyahu said, as reported by 1News.
“I am now even more convinced that he is unfit to remain in office for even one more minute,” Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, said of the remarks. Al Jazeera said that Netanyahu has also urged Jewish-led parties to form a unity government under his leadership to counter regional threats, including a potential conflict with Iran.
Questions About the Coalition Timeline
Neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu currently commands the 61 votes needed to form a government, according to the NZ Herald. Eisenkot’s core bloc holds 48 seats, while potential partners continue negotiations as political divisions persist. If Eisenkot fails to broker a deal within his six-week window, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to give Netanyahu a chance to form a government.
Common Questions on the Israeli Parliament Shift
What legislation did the opposition introduce immediately?
Eisenkot’s bloc introduced bills to launch a government-led inquiry into the October 7 attacks, impose term limits on the prime minister, and roll back judicial changes, according to 1News.
Who is leading the effort to form the new government?
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, holds the presidential mandate to build a coalition government following October’s election.
Can the Knesset pass laws while coalition talks continue?
“Reach out a hand for compromise, even between rivals … Look upon one another with generosity,” said Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, at the swearing-in ceremony reported by The Guardian.
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