Israel's New Knesset Sworn In Amidst Political Maneuvering

The 26th Knesset is set to be sworn in on November 10th at 4:00 PM, coinciding with a large demonstration by supporters of the current government. Protesters plan to voice opposition to what they term a "stolen election" and a bid to replace the Knesset Speaker with votes from parties allegedly supporting terrorism. The "change bloc" intends to present 61 signatures on the same day, demanding a vote to change the Knesset Speaker. Yashar party head Gadi Eisenkot announced on November 10th that Matan Kahana of Yashar is their candidate for Speaker. According to law, a vote must occur within seven days of the 61 signatures being submitted. Future Knesset member Roi Folkman of Yashar will head the organizational committee, granting the party forming the government significant control over the Knesset during coalition talks.

In other appointments, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman will serve as the interim head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and Liran Avisar Ben-Horin of Behadash will be the interim head of the Knesset Finance Committee. The Democratic Party did not receive any positions. Eisenkot is continuing meetings with leaders of the "change bloc" parties, including Yesh Atid's Yair Lapid on November 10th, and plans to meet with Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan later. A recent meeting with Lieberman reportedly eased tensions within the opposition.

Media reports suggest that following the meeting with Lieberman, a decision was made to first pursue coalition negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties. Only if these talks fail will negotiations resume with Arab parties to form a minority government. On November 10th, the United Torah Judaism and Shas factions will hold meetings to decide on commencing official negotiations with Gadi Eisenkot. The ultra-Orthodox parties have stated that a precondition for any talks is the cessation of arrests of draft dodgers during the coalition negotiation period.