Knesset Swears In Amid Protests, Judicial Reform Repeal Efforts

The 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, November 10th, marked by several scandals and immediate legislative moves by the new parliamentary majority to reverse initiatives from the previous coalition. Representatives from the Joint List demonstratively walked out of the plenum during the singing of Israel's national anthem, "Hatikvah." Another contentious moment involved a heated exchange between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Arab MK Yousef Jabareen, during which Ben-Gvir questioned Jabareen's allegiance. The opposition has already called for a vote to replace the current Speaker of Parliament, proposing Matan Kahana for the role.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and outgoing Speaker Amir Ohana. All 120 elected Knesset members took the oath of office. Prime Minister Netanyahu, participating in his 15th parliamentary convocation, set a new record, surpassing the previous one held by Shimon Peres.

Despite the solemnity, political demonstrations occurred. At the end of the session, MKs from the Joint List, a bloc including the Hadash, Balad, and Ta'al parties, exited the hall during the national anthem. MKs from the Islamist Ra'am party, led by Mansour Abbas, remained. The altercation between Ben-Gvir and Jabareen escalated when Ben-Gvir shouted, "Who are you swearing allegiance to, Hamas?" during Jabareen's oath.

In a significant legislative move, the National Unity party submitted several bills aimed at repealing judicial reforms initiated by the previous government. These include proposals to reverse changes to the status and powers of the Attorney General, amendments to the Basic Law: Judiciary, and provisions concerning the prime minister's inability to serve.

The opposition has also begun efforts to control parliamentary leadership. The National Unity party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, presented Speaker Ohana with 67 signatures, demanding a vote for a new Knesset Speaker. Matan Kahana has been nominated for the position, and if elected, it would require a majority of at least 61 votes. Key parliamentary committee leadership positions are also being discussed, with proposals to assign the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to Avigdor Lieberman and the Finance Committee to Liran Avissar Ben-Horin.

President Herzog delivered a speech urging unity and calling on the Knesset to serve its full term to avoid further elections, emphasizing that "almost 80% of the people voted for you." He highlighted critical tasks for the new parliament, including investigating the October 7th events, addressing the burden of military service, and supporting reservists. He also condemned violence and racism across Israeli society.

During the ceremony, Elisha Madan, a new Likud MK who lost both legs in Gaza combat on November 10, 2023, took his oath standing, receiving a standing ovation. Shira Shapira, mother of Aner Shapira who died saving lives at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, also became an MK. Speaker Ohana acknowledged the presence of relatives of the fallen, wounded soldiers, and hostage families, expressing hope their experiences would foster unity. He also warned of ongoing security threats from Iran and Hamas, urging lawmakers to avoid collaborating with those who accuse Israeli soldiers or label Israelis as occupiers.

The 26th Knesset commenced amidst political gestures, public disputes, and a struggle for parliamentary positions. The immediate focus is on whether Gadi Eisenkot can consolidate his majority and secure the election of a new speaker.