Opposition lawmakers moved immediately after the new Knesset was sworn in, deploying their majority to seize control of the legislature from Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies. Although they remain too divided to form a government, the opposition requested a vote for a new speaker who sets the Knesset’s agenda. Replacing Netanyahu loyalist Amir Ohana allows the six opposition parties to work on key legislation even if they broker a coalition. Priorities include setting up a state commission of inquiry into the 7 October 2023 attacks and introducing term limits for prime ministers, which could block Netanyahu from taking power again. He has ruled Israel for 19 of the last 30 years.
Legislative maneuvering
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, now holds the presidential mandate to try to form a government within six weeks. If he fails, a second candidate, probably Netanyahu, gets a second chance, and further failure is likely to lead to another election. Eisenkot admitted the path to power is "extraordinarily complex" because of incompatible election promises, but described ousting Netanyahu as a national emergency that could require breaking promises. His Yashar party submitted bills moments after the swearing-in, with backing from other opposition parties. These include several bills designed to revoke the "judicial overhaul" pursued by Netanyahu, which weakened the power of Israel’s judiciary and the attorney general. Ohana tabled the vote on a new speaker for next Tuesday, the latest date possible. The opposition also nominated candidates to take over defence and finance committees.
Political friction
Netanyahu responded to the swearing-in on Tuesday with a racist attack on two Palestinian-led opposition parties, calling their lawmakers "terror supporters". These voters were essential to unseating his coalition. Eisenkot denounced the speech as a "delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful" exploitation of a state occasion, stating it showed the prime minister was unfit for office. Yair Golan, leader of the centre-left Democrats, and Yoav Segalovich, a former police chief running on the Islamist Ra’am slate, both walked out in protest. Palestinian citizens make up about 20% of the population. Since polling day, Netanyahu has promoted groundless accusations of fraud in their communities to undermine results. Election officials say there was no evidence of irregularities that affected the outcome or compromised integrity. President Isaac Herzog warned lawmakers to avoid a second election. "Reach out a hand for compromise, even between rivals," he said. A prolonged negotiation period would extend Netanyahu’s hold as caretaker prime minister, but progress on legislation would weaken his grip on the state.
