New Knesset puts Netanyahu under political pressure
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot wants to reverse government policies, but must first form a coalition.
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Israel’s new Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday with a majority for parties seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot immediately unveiled plans to reverse several decisions by the previous government.
Eisenkot, a former army chief and leader of the Yashar party, was earlier tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming a government. He has a maximum of six weeks to do so. His bloc does not have a coalition majority on its own, making negotiations with other parties necessary.
The new balance of power is already visible in parliament. Eisenkot’s allies submitted bills calling for an official inquiry into the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, a limit on prime ministers’ terms in office and the reversal of changes that weakened the judiciary.
The parliamentary speaker could also change. A majority of MPs have submitted signatures seeking to replace Netanyahu-aligned speaker Amir Ohana. The opposition has put forward Matan Kahana of Yashar. A vote on the matter could take place as early as this week.
Netanyahu and his cabinet will remain in power for the time being until a new government is formed. If Eisenkot cannot assemble a coalition, Herzog may task Netanyahu again. As caretaker prime minister, Netanyahu retains responsibility for national security, among other matters.
The political divide also centres on whether Arab parties can support a new government. Eisenkot has not ruled out that possibility, subject to conditions such as recognising Israel’s Jewish character and designating Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Arab politicians could not be trusted. Eisenkot called the speech divisive and subsequently cancelled a planned meeting with Likud.
For the Netherlands and Europe, the change in power mainly means uncertainty over Israel’s domestic direction and the scope for a different approach to governance, the rule of law and war policy. The swearing-in does not change the government yet; the coalition talks ahead and the first parliamentary votes will be decisive.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The new Knesset has been sworn in.
- Parties seeking to replace Netanyahu have a parliamentary majority.
- Eisenkot is trying to form a coalition and has a maximum of six weeks to do so.
- Netanyahu will remain prime minister until a new government has been formed.
Left
Arguments The new majority should restore the judiciary, establish an independent inquiry into 7 October and fully involve Arab parties in parliamentary decision-making.
Values The rule of law, equal citizenship and democratic oversight of the government.
Consequences This could restore confidence in the institutions, but could also lead to sharp confrontations with Netanyahu and his supporters.
Centre
Arguments The first priority is a stable, workable coalition capable of taking national security decisions. Institutional reforms should proceed through broad parliamentary majorities.
Values Governability, continuity and careful decision-making.
Consequences A broad coalition could limit escalation, but might delay or dilute ambitious reforms.
Right
Arguments During a period of security threats, Israel should limit political division and avoid making the government dependent on parties that do not fully support the Jewish state or the fight against Hamas.
Values National security, national cohesion and a strong executive.
Consequences A hard line on the coalition could enable swift security decisions, but would increase the likelihood of the political crisis continuing and further polarisation.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core facts about the swearing-in, Eisenkot’s mandate and the announced parliamentary agenda have been confirmed by AP. The text clearly distinguishes between the existing caretaker government and the coalition, which remains uncertain.
- confirmed The new Knesset was sworn in on 10 November. — AP describes the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday 10 November 2026. source
- confirmed Gadi Eisenkot has a maximum of six weeks to form a government. — AP gives the six-week timeframe. source
- confirmed Opposition parties want an inquiry into 7 October, term limits and the restoration of judicial powers. — AP mentions these bills. source
- confirmed A majority has initiated a procedure to replace Amir Ohana as parliamentary speaker. — AP describes the submitted signatures and Matan Kahana’s nomination. source
Editor's note
The swearing-in and the parliamentary balance of power have been confirmed. The coalition and the eventual policy direction remain uncertain.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- Het Parool — „israël knesset”
- Trouw — „israël knesset”
- NRC — „israël knesset”