Israeli Opposition Moves to Seize Control as New Knesset Sworn In

Lawmakers in the Israeli opposition have wasted no time following the swearing-in of the Israeli Knesset, utilizing their majority to strip legislative control from Benjamin Netanyahu and his political allies. Although the six opposition parties remain divided regarding the formation of a governing coalition, they have formally requested a vote for a new speaker who will ultimately control the legislative agenda. Once current speaker and Netanyahu loyalist Amir Ohana is replaced, these parties intend to advance crucial legislation even before forming a formal coalition.

Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief holding the presidential mandate, faces a six-week window to successfully form a government. If he fails, a second candidate—likely Netanyahu—will receive an opportunity, with further failures potentially triggering another election. Eisenkot's Yashar party has already submitted several bills to the legislature with broad opposition support. Proposed measures include setting up a state commission of inquiry into the attacks of 7 October 2023, establishing prime ministerial term limits that could permanently block Netanyahu from holding office, and rolling back previous judicial overhauls.

Opposition parties seized legislative control of the Israeli Knesset and submitted bills to introduce term limits.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Netanyahu delivered a speech attacking two Palestinian-led opposition parties whose voters played a major role in unseating his coalition, labeling their lawmakers as supporters of terrorism. This rhetoric sparked immediate backlash, with Eisenkot condemning the remarks as divisive and unfit for office, while other political leaders walked out of the chamber in protest. Meanwhile, Ohana scheduled the vote for the new speaker for the latest possible date next Tuesday, while the opposition has nominated members to head essential defense and finance committees.

Why it matters This legislative maneuvering directly challenges the caretaker leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu and could weaken his political grip if the fractured opposition succeeds in passing key reform bills. Avoiding a second election remains a critical priority for the nation's political stability.