Knesset (file image/ 2024)
‘Israel’ swears in new Knesset as opposition moves to weaken Netanyahu's influence
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- The opposition has nominated Yashar lawmaker Matan Kahana to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
- Avigdor Liberman is set to head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, while opposition allies have been designated to lead the Finance and Arrangements committees.
- Right-wing organizations planned protests outside the Knesset against the proposed leadership changes.
‘Israel’s’ 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, as opposition parties moved to consolidate their influence over parliament and challenge key positions held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.
‘Israeli’ President Isaac Herzog opened the inaugural session, calling on lawmakers to prioritize national unity, political compromise and stability after years of political divisions and repeated elections.
Addressing the newly elected parliament, Herzog said ‘Israelis’ were “thirsty for routine, security, and tranquility,” urging lawmakers to translate the solidarity demonstrated following the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent war into greater cooperation and effective governance.
He also called on parliamentarians to do everything possible to avoid another election, emphasizing the need for political stability.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Netanyahu were also scheduled to address the inaugural session, during which all 120 lawmakers were to take their oaths of office.
The ceremony included a reading of excerpts from ‘Israel’s’ Declaration of Independence, alongside a recitation of Psalm 122 by Avi Harush, the father of Sgt. Reef Harush, who was killed in combat in the southern Gaza Strip in April 2024. The proceedings were also accompanied by musical performances and a traditional group photograph of party leaders.
Eisenkot's bloc moves to take control of key parliamentary positions
Beyond the ceremonial proceedings, the inauguration marks the beginning of a political effort by the opposition, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's bloc, to reshape the Knesset's leadership and take control of influential parliamentary positions previously held by Netanyahu's camp.
Opposition parties have already reached agreements on several key committee appointments and formally put forward Yashar lawmaker Matan Kahana as their candidate to replace Ohana as Knesset speaker.
Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu has been designated to head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, while Liran Avisar Ben-Horin of B'Yachad has been selected to lead the Finance Committee. Incoming Yashar lawmaker Roy Folkman is set to chair the Arrangements Committee.
The appointments form part of a broader effort to give the opposition greater influence over parliament's legislative agenda and oversight of the government while negotiations over the formation of a new government continue.
A vote to remove Ohana was not expected during Tuesday's inaugural session. However, the proposed replacement signals the opposition's intention to challenge the Likud's hold over the Knesset's senior positions.
The speaker's position is among the parliament's most consequential offices, carrying significant authority over legislative proceedings and parliamentary business. Under ‘Israeli’ law, the Knesset speaker can also temporarily assume the responsibilities of the prime minister if the incumbent dies or becomes permanently incapacitated, pending the relevant legal and political procedures.
Right-wing groups plan protest outside parliament
The political reshuffle has also drawn opposition from right-wing organizations, several of which planned demonstrations outside the Knesset during the swearing-in ceremony.
Among the groups involved were Im Tirtzu, the Mothers' March and the Reservists Generation of Victory movement. The protest was organized under the slogan: “We do not replace a Knesset speaker with the votes of Hamas supporters.”
Knesset security forces were placed on heightened alert ahead of the ceremony, although authorities said they had no information indicating that demonstrators intended to prevent lawmakers or other attendees from entering the building.
Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox Shas party reaffirmed its support for Netanyahu, saying it remained committed to backing him and was not conducting negotiations with other political parties.
