Knesset Swears In Amid Protests, Judicial Reform Repeal Efforts

The new parliament features 46 new members, including a record 33 women, and diverse representation across religious, secular, Arab, and ultra-Orthodox backgrounds. Among the new lawmakers are former senior security officials and members of bereaved families. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set a record by beginning his 15th term in the Knesset, while Yonatan Shilo, 24, became the youngest lawmaker to enter the Knesset in 66 years.

The ceremony featured a formal military reception for President Herzog on the Knesset plaza, complete with a motorcycle and cavalry procession, an honor guard, and trumpet fanfares from the IDF orchestra. President Herzog laid wreaths at memorials for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Inside the plenum, Avi Harosh, the father of fallen soldier Sergeant Rif Harosh, read Psalm 122, and the children's choir "Perach Ashkelon" performed the national anthem alongside singer Harel Skaat.

The swearing-in took place amidst intense political negotiations to form a new government. Gadi Eisenkot, who received the mandate to assemble a coalition, is leading talks alongside Avigdor Lieberman. The "Change Bloc" is negotiating with the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, offering a softened conscription law in exchange for their support. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the formation of a national unity government under his leadership.

Ahead of the official government formation, the "Change Bloc" has reached agreements on key parliamentary appointments. Matan Kahana is slated to succeed Amir Ohana as the next Knesset Speaker. Additionally, Avigdor Lieberman is set to chair the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Liran Avishar Ben-Hurin will lead the Finance Committee, and Roey Folkman will chair the Arrangements Committee, with these appointments pending formal approval.