Israeli Knesset swearing in as opposition moves to replace speaker

Israel’s new Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, according to the Guardian, ynetnews, and Organiser. The Guardian reported that opposition politicians are seeking to take control of key levers of power while attempting to form a new government to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The New York Times and NPR both reported that former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is Netanyahu's leading rival, has been tapped by Israel's president to form a governing coalition. [1][2][4][8][9]

A primary objective for the opposition is replacing the current Knesset speaker, Amir Ohana, who is a close ally of Netanyahu, the Guardian reported. The speaker exercises significant influence over the legislative agenda. The Guardian and Organiser reported that the incoming parliament is the 26th Knesset. [1][8][9]

The swearing in follows a deadlocked vote, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Israeli President Isaac Herzog initiated consultations after receiving certified results, where Netanyahu's right-wing bloc captured 53 seats and Eisenkot's opposition alliance won 48 seats. A majority of 61 seats in the 120-seat Knesset is required to establish a government, while Arab-led lists obtained 19 seats. The Knesset is the unicameral legislature of Israel. [11][14][15]

Organiser reported that Netanyahu has invited Zionist parties to join a unity government amid the intensifying coalition negotiations. Meanwhile, Haaretz reported that new Arab lawmakers are preparing for political fights following public attacks from Netanyahu. [6][8][9]