26th Knesset Sworn In Amidst Political Maneuvering and Unforeseen Moments
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
The 26th Knesset was sworn in Tuesday with President Isaac Herzog in attendance, as Gadi Eisenkot received recommendations to form a government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became the longest-serving Knesset member. The day saw both emotional moments, like MK Elisha Madan standing on prosthetics, and political clashes, including Itamar Ben-Gvir's interruption and Arab MKs walking out before "Hatikvah." Legislative efforts to challenge the incoming government were also initiated.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The 26th Knesset was sworn in Tuesday, with Gadi Eisenkot receiving recommendations to form a government.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became the longest-serving Knesset member in Israeli history.
- MK Elisha Madan, who lost legs in combat, stood on prosthetics during his oath, drawing applause.
- Itamar Ben-Gvir interrupted an Arab MK's oath, and Arab party members walked out before "Hatikvah."
- The "Change Bloc" moved to oust the Knesset speaker, while a bill to dissolve the Knesset was introduced.
- Naftali Bennett and Gilad Kariv interrupted Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech with accusations.
The 26th Knesset was inaugurated on Tuesday in a festive swearing-in ceremony attended by President Isaac Herzog, amidst the ongoing political race to form the next government. The mandate to form a government was given to Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yesh" party, who received recommendations from 67 Knesset members. The day began with significant parliamentary events. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became the longest-serving Knesset member in Israeli history upon his swearing-in for his 15th term. A poignant moment occurred when Likud MK Elisha Madan, who lost both legs in combat in Gaza, insisted on standing on his prosthetics during the oath, earning applause.
During the oath of a Joint List MK, Itamar Ben-Gvir interrupted, questioning their allegiance. Following the ceremony, Arab party MKs walked out before the singing of "Hatikvah." In legislative and political developments, the "Change Bloc," led by Eisenkot, secured a majority of 61 members, including Arab party support, to potentially oust Speaker Amir Ohana and appoint Matan Kahana in his place. The "Democrats" party, led by Yair Golan, announced a legislative blitz.
Conversely, Deputy Knesset Speaker Lior Son Har Melech of "Otzma Yehudit" introduced a bill to dissolve the Knesset on its first day, citing suspicions of fraud, election bribery, and foreign interference. These actions signal a shift in political power and the establishment of facts on the ground by the opposition before the government's formation is complete. Later, during Netanyahu's speech, Naftali Bennett and Gilad Kariv interrupted, raising concerns about the absence of a state inquiry commission and the receipt of funds from Qatar.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Left 1Centre 7Right 3Haredi 3Arab 4Other 5
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
