Israel's Knesset Prepares for Swearing-In Amid Coalition Talks

Following the completion of vote counting in the 26th Knesset elections, parties are preparing for the parliament's swearing-in ceremony on November 10 and for coalition negotiations. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, stated his intention to "immediately begin the process of changing the government through parliamentary means, in the interest of all citizens of Israel." The opposition plans to seek a change in the Knesset Speaker position. While Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, was mentioned as a candidate, he announced on November 1 he does not intend to take the role. His party has not clarified if this means they are not interested in the position or if another candidate might be proposed.

Eisenkot outlined the opposition's legislative agenda post-speaker change, including establishing a state investigation commission, advancing mandatory military service for all, increasing IDF troop numbers, strengthening the army, ensuring fair compensation for service members, and repealing laws related to alleged judicial overhaul. Meanwhile, preparations for coalition talks are underway. Final election results will be presented to President Yitzhak Herzog on November 4, after which he will begin meetings with party representatives. Herzog will then task a candidate with forming the government, based on recommendations rather than the largest party's mandate, with Eisenkot being the likely first choice.

The party tasked with forming the government also gains the right to head the Knesset's organizational committee, which manages parliamentary operations during coalition negotiations. Political circles suggest Eisenkot will first attempt to form a national unity government. However, some in the opposition believe Netanyahu may try to delay this, aiming for new elections. "Yedioth Ahronoth" reports Eisenkot is working to bring the ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly the Yahadut HaTorah bloc, into his coalition. Yaakov Asher, head of the bloc, met with spiritual leaders Rabbi Gersh and Rabbi Lando of Degel HaTorah to secure their approval for negotiations, with opposition members expressing confidence in this possibility.

A significant obstacle remains Lieberman's stance against joining a coalition with Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties. The Likud party, led by Netanyahu, is reportedly trying to thwart Eisenkot's efforts to change the Knesset Speaker and maintain its bloc of 53 MKs, which includes Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism, Shas, and Yahadut HaTorah. Netanyahu recently spoke with Bezalel Smotrich of Religious Zionism and Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit. Reports also claim that several current or elected MKs from coalition parties have approached the opposition with offers of cooperation, naming Almog Cohen, Yaakov Bardugo, and Orit Struk. All have denied these claims.