Israel’s parliament was sworn in without a new government after the October 27 general election left no clear path to power for either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or his challengers.
According to rte.ie, the newly seated Knesset remains deadlocked, forcing former general Gadi Eisenkot into complex negotiations to form a coalition.
President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday, yet he currently lacks a parliamentary majority. “You must do everything to avoid a repeat election,” Herzog told lawmakers at the ceremony, urging them to reach out for compromise even between rivals.
Eisenkot faces complex coalition math
Eisenkot’s Yashar party and his allied factions hold 48 of the 120 Knesset seats, while Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud alliance holds 53, according to rte.ie. The Irish Times reports that Eisenkot has described his path to power as a search for a “national emergency government,” which may require unconventional political maneuvers.
He faces a December 6 deadline to secure a coalition, with a potential two-week extension available. If he fails, the mandate will likely pass to Netanyahu. Should that effort also collapse, the country faces the prospect of a new round of elections.
Opposition moves to seize legislative control
While the government remains unformed, opposition parties are already maneuvering to strip Netanyahu of his influence over the legislative agenda. The Guardian reports that the opposition has requested a vote to replace the current Knesset speaker, Amir Ohana, a Netanyahu loyalist.
Replacing the speaker would allow the opposition to prioritize key legislation, including a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the introduction of term limits for prime ministers. The Times of Israel notes that the opposition bloc has agreed to nominate Matan Kahana, a member of Eisenkot’s Yashar party, to fill the speaker role.
Netanyahu and opposition leaders clash during swearing-in proceedings
Tensions flared during the swearing-in proceedings as Netanyahu accused opposition parties of relying on “terror supporters” to unseat his coalition. Eisenkot denounced the speech as “delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful,” according to The Guardian.
Several opposition leaders, including Yair Golan and Yoav Segalovich, walked out of the chamber during Netanyahu’s remarks. The prime minister has also alleged voter fraud in Arab-majority communities, though election officials have stated there is no evidence of irregularities that impacted the final results.
Ongoing conflict in Gaza
While the political stalemate continues in Jerusalem, military operations in Gaza persist. rte.ie reports that at least seven Palestinians, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed in recent Israeli airstrikes and gunfire.
Local health officials said strikes hit a displacement shelter in the Zeitoun neighborhood and a metal foundry in Sabra, both in Gaza City. The Israeli military confirmed it struck militants in the area but did not provide further details on the casualties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Gadi Eisenkot fails to form a government?
If Eisenkot cannot secure a coalition by December 20, President Herzog will likely invite Benjamin Netanyahu to attempt to form a government. If Netanyahu also fails, and no other candidate can build a majority, the country will be forced into another round of general elections.
Why is the opposition pushing for a new Knesset speaker?
The speaker holds the power to set the parliament’s agenda and schedule votes. By replacing the incumbent Likud speaker, the opposition hopes to fast-track legislation such as a commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, regardless of the status of coalition negotiations.
A governing coalition requires a minimum of 61 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Currently, Netanyahu’s bloc holds 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s opposition bloc holds 48, leaving both sides dependent on smaller parties or potential crossovers to reach the threshold.
Did you know?
Among the members sworn in this week was Elisha Madan, a military reservist who lost both legs while fighting in Gaza; he received an ovation from the plenum when he stood on his prosthetic legs.
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