New Knesset Majority Moves to Pass Laws Before Government Formation
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
The newly sworn-in 26th Knesset, holding a majority of 67 seats, is moving to pass legislation independently before a new government is formed. Opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu, the majority bloc has introduced bills to limit the PM's term, establish an inquiry into the October 7th attacks, and repeal laws from the previous government. Key priorities include replacing the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, to expedite legislative action, and reversing changes to the Attorney General's authority and the Judicial Selection Committee. The Knesset's independent status allows it to legislate without government approval, a move seen as a more democratic approach.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The 26th Knesset majority is advancing legislation independently before a new government is formed.
- Opponents of Netanyahu have proposed bills to limit the PM's term and investigate the October 7th failures.
- The new majority aims to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to expedite their legislative agenda.
- Key legislative goals include repealing laws on the Attorney General and the Judicial Selection Committee.
- The Knesset's independent status allows it to legislate without government approval.
The 26th Knesset, sworn in on November 10, 2026, is asserting its independence and moving to legislate before a new government is formed. Opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, now holding a majority of 67 seats, have submitted eight proposed bills. These include limiting the Prime Minister's term, establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures, and repealing key laws passed by the previous government, often referred to as the "regime change" or "judicial overhaul."
The Knesset operates as an independent body whose powers are not contingent on government formation. It can legislate even without the outgoing government's consent and before a new government is sworn in. Historically, the Knesset majority and the coalition forming the government often aligned, with the coalition leading legislation. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu's previous government centralized legislative control through the Ministerial Committee on Legislation, leading to a public perception that the government drives legislation. The current situation, where the Knesset acts independently, is argued to be more democratic.
A key immediate goal for the new majority is to replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, who is seen as potentially delaying their legislative agenda. A request to replace him has garnered 67 signatures, with a vote scheduled for November 17, 2026. The Speaker controls the legislative pace and agenda, making the Speaker's position crucial for advancing or hindering new laws.
Several proposed laws aim to reverse changes made by the previous Knesset. These include repealing the law weakening the Attorney General's authority, which is set to take effect January 1, 2027, and reversing the amendment to the Basic Law: The Judiciary concerning the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, which has already taken effect. Other proposed legislation seeks to repeal the "Ben Gvir Law" expanding National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's powers, and a law that would have placed the Police Internal Investigations Department under the Justice Minister.
The new majority is also pushing for laws such as a term limit for the Prime Minister, the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, and the repeal of a law granting the government and its allies extensive control over news. They are also proposing a civil partnership law and a law granting benefits to IDF service members and reservists. While some legislative actions require a simple majority, others, like changes to Basic Laws, necessitate 61 votes. The process for enacting these laws will vary in complexity and time, with some requiring extensive committee work that has yet to be established.
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