New Knesset Convenes Amidst Fierce Battles for Key Positions

The 26th Knesset convened today at 4:00 PM, with its 120 members sworn in. Without a clear majority between blocs and pending the formation of a new government, the Knesset will operate with temporary committees and face numerous challenges. A primary urgent task for the new MKs is electing a Speaker of the Knesset. The "Change Bloc" intends to present signatures from at least 67 MKs to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana. Roee Folkman, faction leader of Yisrael, urged United Torah Judaism and Shas to sign the request, after they had reportedly expressed a desire to replace Ohana due to his sexual orientation, a request that was denied.

As of late yesterday, the Change Bloc reached an agreement on a candidate for Speaker, likely from Yisrael, which will be discussed with other factions. Yisrael advocates for Gadi Eisenkot or another representative, while Yesh Atid favors party chairman Yair Lapid. Eisenkot insists on his party's representative holding the position. To remove a Speaker requires 90 votes, raising concerns that if Eisenkot is elected and later joins a government, he would resign, potentially complicating the removal of a successor like Lapid if a unity government is formed.

A "Directing Committee" will be established, headed by Folkman, to manage Knesset affairs until a coalition is formed. This committee will comprise nine representatives from the Change Bloc and eight from the Netanyahu bloc. Two temporary committees will also be formed: the Finance Committee and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu is slated to chair the temporary Finance Committee, which will address budget adjustments for the end of the 2026 fiscal year, including approving surplus transfers and a NIS 1 billion cut to government ministries to fund defense.

United Torah Judaism and Shas have declared their intention to legislate the status of yeshiva students before a new government is formed. United Torah Judaism is negotiating separately with Eisenkot and Lieberman, with Lieberman proposing his 2018 draft conscription law as a basis, though acknowledging it needs modifications to withstand High Court scrutiny. The ultra-Orthodox parties fear a lenient conscription law might be invalidated by the High Court and seek legislative measures to prevent such an outcome.

Naftali Bennett has remained notably silent regarding Eisenkot and Lieberman's efforts to include the Haredi parties, emphasizing the "Covenant of Service." There is skepticism about passing legislation concerning yeshiva students' conscription status before a new government is established. The Change Bloc also aims to repeal certain laws from the judicial overhaul, including those concerning the Judicial Appointments Committee, the Attorney General, the Police Internal Investigations Department, and communications. It remains uncertain if these can be passed within the 42 days of Eisenkot's mandate.

Additionally, the Knesset must elect a State Comptroller. Following the withdrawal of Michael Ravilo, who was elected but did not assume office, the process will restart, likely in early December with new candidates. The election of a permanent director-general for the Election Committee is also on the agenda, with current acting director Dean Livna considered a strong candidate.