Herzog urges coalition talks as Eisenkot begins 28-day clock

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the newly convened 26th Knesset on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to investigate the October 7 attacks by Hamas. His speech marked the opening of the new parliamentary session, a critical moment after recent elections left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc without a majority. Herzog emphasized the need for party leaders to make concessions and do everything possible to prevent the country from facing another round of voting.

Following the election results, Herzog tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government on Sunday. This decision started a formal 28-day clock for Eisenkot to assemble a coalition, with the possibility of a single 14-day extension if necessary. Although Eisenkot’s bloc is also short of an immediate parliamentary majority, his allies are hopeful that their newly acquired legislative power will allow them to move quickly toward establishing an independent inquiry into the events of October 7.

In remarks made ahead of the Knesset session, Eisenkot stated his commitment to forming a national emergency government as rapidly as possible in this complex political landscape. This stance contrasts with the position of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has previously refused to create a commission for the attacks. Netanyahu argued that a panel appointed by the Israeli Supreme Court would be biased against his government, a view that has complicated efforts to reach a consensus on the investigation.

President Herzog also addressed the security situation regarding Iran, noting that Tehran does not pause in its plots and threats, whether acting directly or through its partners. He reiterated this point from his earlier speech when officially delegating the mandate to Eisenkot. The president stressed the importance of fortifying the alliance with the United States, acknowledging that public disapproval of Israel in the US has grown due to the ongoing war in Gaza and the conflict with Iran.

Herzog further called for Israel to build a stable political horizon with its regional neighbors alongside its military efforts. He highlighted the need to strengthen and potentially expand the peace agreements currently in place with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. These diplomatic goals aim to provide a broader framework for stability in the region.

The speaker of the Knesset, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud Party, will remain in a caretaker position until a new vote is held to select a replacement. Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh, reporting from the occupied West Bank, noted that Eisenkot’s party, Yashar, has already submitted 61 signatures from new parliamentarians demanding that this vote take place as soon as possible to resolve the leadership vacuum.

Netanyahu and his bloc continue to protest the results of the October 27 elections, claiming foreign interference after the Palestinian-Israeli parties secured a 19-seat bloc. Odeh observed that these protests have gone unanswered because the results have been certified and every relevant authority has dismissed the allegations of widespread violations. The political gridlock remains a significant hurdle for the new government formation process.

Eisenkot has yet to strike deals with enough parties to reach the 61-seat majority required to form a government. The pressure is on to finalize these negotiations before the deadline expires. If neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu succeeds in forming a viable coalition, the country could face another round of elections, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Israel’s political future.