Israel's Knesset Swears In Amidst Political Maneuvering and Coalition Talks

The agreement was reached during a meeting described by both leaders as good and businesslike, after which they expressed full confidence in their ability to form a stable government that will serve for four years. The "Change Bloc" plans to submit at least 61 signatures on Tuesday, the day of the Knesset's swearing-in, to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana. Replacing Ohana is seen as a crucial step for the bloc to gain control of parliamentary proceedings, schedule a swearing-in ceremony for the new government, and advance key legislation.

While the agreement marks significant progress, the identity of the nominee has not been officially disclosed pending coordination and official consent from other bloc leaders, including Naftali Bennett of the Together party (also referred to as Yamina) and Yair Golan of the Democratic Party. Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government from President Isaac Herzog after securing recommendations from 67 Knesset members, has until December 6, 2026, to finalize the coalition. Meanwhile, negotiations continue, with Lieberman urging Eisenkot to bring ultra-Orthodox parties into the coalition rather than relying on a minority government supported by Arab parties, though Haredi parties have so far declined to join the effort to replace the Knesset Speaker.