Opposition Bloc Pushes Legislative Agenda Against Netanyahu

The Yachad party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, along with other parliamentary blocs, submitted a series of legislative proposals to the Knesset on Tuesday. These proposals include establishing a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, attacks, limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister, and repealing six laws and amendments enacted by Benjamin Netanyahu's government as part of its judicial overhaul plan. The submissions coincide with the opening of the new Knesset session and are part of the opposition's efforts to consolidate its influence in the legislative branch amid ongoing government formation talks. The first proposal calls for a formal inquiry into the failures preceding and during the October 7 attacks. A second proposal aims to amend the Basic Law: Government to set a maximum term for the Prime Minister. Additionally, Yachad seeks to repeal six laws and amendments passed by the outgoing government, which the party described as a "coup against the system of governance." These include measures affecting the Attorney General's status and powers, amendments to the Basic Law: Judiciary, and changes to the Courts Law, the Communications Law regarding broadcasting, provisions for the Prime Minister's incapacitation, and amendments to the Police Law.

In a parallel move, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced his intention to introduce three bills. These include establishing a civil legal framework for registering partnerships between couples, enshrining the Israeli Declaration of Independence in a Basic Law, and capping the Prime Minister's term at eight years. Lapid stated his party would continue to be the "voice of the liberal public in Israel within the Knesset" and work towards state reform. These legislative initiatives are occurring as Eisenkot's bloc seeks to rebalance power within the Knesset. Opposition leaders have reportedly reached understandings on distributing key positions, nominating Matan Kahana for Knesset Speaker to replace Amir Ohana, and assigning the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to Avigdor Lieberman and the Finance Committee to Liran Avichar Horin. The Yachad party announced it has gathered over 61 Knesset signatures to demand Ohana's replacement, aiming to transfer control of the legislative body's leadership to the opposition before the government formation is finalized. Eisenkot had previously declared his intention to form an emergency government, emphasizing no concessions would be made regarding the elimination of Hamas's military capabilities and authority in Gaza. The proposed legislation reflects Eisenkot's bloc's focus on holding officials accountable for the October 7 failures, restricting the Prime Minister's powers, and reversing the judicial reforms enacted by Netanyahu's government as part of their future legislative and political agenda, alongside efforts to form a new government coalition.