New Knesset Swears In Amidst Unformed Government

The 26th Knesset will be sworn in on Tuesday, with 120 newly elected members taking their oath of allegiance, despite the ongoing absence of a formed government. The day's proceedings will commence at 8:00 AM with the lawmakers entering the plenum, where they will participate in a special photo opportunity with their families. The ceremony will include the welcoming of Knesset members by robots named "Mr. Weil" and "Mrs. Shagal" from the visitor center. A festive ceremony is scheduled for 3:20 PM in the Knesset courtyard, attended by the members and their guests. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana will greet President Yitzhak Herzog, who will arrive with an escort and later sign the Book of Presidents. At precisely 4:00 PM, Knesset Secretary Dan Marzouk will announce the President's arrival, followed by the President's address and the formal opening of the session. Each Knesset member will then individually take the oath, responding "I pledge" when their name is called by the secretary. Singer Harel Skaat is set to perform.

Yesterday, a special orientation day was held for 46 new Knesset members, providing them with guidance on parliamentary procedures, including voting. The new Knesset includes 10 members from bereaved families, including Binyamin Netanyahu, Ram Ben Barak, and Elisef Peretz, who lost brothers in past conflicts. Limor Son Har Melech lost her husband in a terror attack. Six representatives are from families affected by the October 7th attacks, including those who lost sons in the war or had relatives kidnapped and murdered in Gaza. Elisha Madan, who was severely injured and lost both legs in Gaza, also represents a connection to the October 7th events.

The composition of the 26th Knesset reflects diverse backgrounds: 40% are secular, with significant representation from religious, Arab, Haredi, traditional, and Druze communities. Three members identify as LGBTQ+. The Knesset also includes representatives from the Ethiopian community and immigrants from the former Soviet Union. A large majority, 88 members, served in the IDF, with others having served in national service or not serving for religious reasons. The Knesset features prominent figures from the security establishment, including a former Shin Bet chief, a former deputy Mossad director, a former police commissioner, a former IDF chief of staff, and several former generals.

This Knesset is poised to break several records. Yonatan Shilo, at 24, will become the youngest Knesset member in 66 years. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will begin his 15th Knesset term, surpassing Shimon Peres's record. Additionally, the 26th Knesset will set a new record for female representation, with 33 women sworn in, the highest number since the state's establishment.