26th Knesset Opens as New Majority Challenges Netanyahu Government

The 26th Knesset officially convened on Tuesday afternoon in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of a new parliamentary era in Israel. All 120 members of the legislature were sworn in during an opening ceremony that was characterized by both ceremonial pomp and political friction. The new assembly features a majority of lawmakers who opposed the previous government led by caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Netanyahu’s bloc currently holds 53 seats, parties aligned against him possess 67 seats, giving the opposition a significant numerical advantage.

The atmosphere outside the plenum was charged, with several hundred right-wing protesters gathering to voice their concerns about a potential government backed by Arab parties. These parties now hold a record 19 seats in the Knesset. Inside the chamber, the inaugural session was marked by heckling, walkouts, and cheers for new members, reflecting the intense polarization that has defined recent political discourse in the country.

President Isaac Herzog delivered the opening address, aiming to calm tensions following the previous month’s election. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the failures that preceded the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Herzog urged the new parliament to accept joint responsibility for national service, specifically highlighting the issue of ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military draft. He stated that Israel must find a solution that respects its heritage while ensuring shared duty.

In his speech, Herzog also called for strengthened diplomatic efforts, including new peace agreements with regional neighbors and a fortified alliance with the United States. He warned that Iran continues to pursue its goals through direct threats and partners. Additionally, the President criticized violence in Arab cities and the West Bank, describing it as a moral stain that must be eradicated. He urged lawmakers to avoid another election, noting that nearly 80 percent of the population participated in the recent vote.

Following Herzog, outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana delivered a sharper address. Ohana, a Likud member, criticized the Arab-led parties for their rhetoric regarding the Israeli military and the Jewish presence in the land. He noted that while Hamas has suffered a significant blow, it remains a threat. Ohana also mentioned that Ra’am chair Mansour Abbas agreed to explicitly refer to Hamas as a terrorist organization in exchange for joining the potential coalition. Despite his critical tone, Ohana ended by calling for a unity government to change the course of Israeli society.

A major procedural development occurred as Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government on Sunday, filed a petition to replace Ohana with Yashar MK Matan Kahana. Ohana confirmed he would respect the majority’s will and announced that a vote to elect the new Speaker is scheduled for next Tuesday, November 17. Eisenkot faces a challenging task in building a majority, as his core bloc of Zionist anti-Netanyahu parties holds only 48 seats, falling short of the 61 needed to govern.

The swearing-in process began with Knesset Secretary Dan Marzouk calling each lawmaker by name. Tensions flared when National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir interrupted the pledge of Joint List chair Yousef Jabareen, asking who he was committing to. Ohana called Ben Gvir to order and warned that further interruptions would result in immediate removal from the plenum. Later, new Likud MK Elisha Medan received applause from both sides of the aisle as he stood to take the oath. Medan, who lost both legs in Gaza in 2023, now walks on prosthetics.

The final four members sworn in were all newcomers with personal connections to the October 7 attacks. This group included Yashar’s Shira Shapiro, whose son was killed in the attack; Yisrael Beytenu’s Sharon Sharabi, whose brothers were kidnapped and one killed; and Yashar MK Noam Tibon, a former general who rescued his family. Likud’s Erez Tadmor, founder of the Im Tirtzu group, was also among the final members to be sworn in.

The session concluded with the singing of Hatikvah, the national anthem. Most MKs from Arab-led parties were absent during the performance. Ben Gvir and other right-wing lawmakers taunted the opposition by shouting questions about the missing partners. Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas and his Jewish colleague Yoav Segalovitz were among the few Arab lawmakers present for the anthem. As the choir finished, the new Knesset officially began its work, setting the stage for the complex negotiations ahead.