New Knesset Sworn In As Netanyahu Pushes for National Unity Government

The 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Knesset building in Jerusalem. Newly elected members arrived throughout the morning for symbolic events, with the first session commencing at 4 p.m. in the main assembly hall, where they took their oaths individually.

As the Knesset members were sworn in, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yishar party, was tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming the government. Meanwhile, leaders of the "Change Bloc" parties have agreed to begin talks with the Haredi parties regarding a modified conscription framework in exchange for support in forming the government.

Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, agreed to negotiate with the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties. These parties propose supporting a government led by Eisenkot in exchange for a "light" mandatory conscription law, presenting their own outline for conscription. The Change Bloc leaders await a response from the Haredi parties. Eisenkot and Lieberman also agreed on the identity of the next Knesset speaker.

Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yamina bloc, discussed coalition talks with Lieberman, deciding that Eisenkot would lead negotiations with the Haredi parties as bloc leader, though Lieberman is expected to conduct separate talks. Members of Bennett's party are seeking clarification on the extent of concessions regarding the proposed conscription law during a bloc meeting scheduled for the following day.

In parallel, current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the formation of a national unity government, stating, "This is an imperative necessity. I am ready to enter into dialogue now with any party that wishes to discuss this matter." Earlier, at 3 p.m., the President attended a reception at the Knesset plaza and signed the "Register of Presidents" before the swearing-in ceremony.