New Knesset Sworn In Amid Political Tensions and Calls for Unity

The new parliament features 46 first-time members, a record 33 women, and a diverse range of ages, from 24-year-old Yonatan Shilo to nearly 79-year-old Haim Katz. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in for a record 15th term, becoming the longest-serving Knesset member in Israeli history. In a poignant moment, Likud MK Elisha Madan, who lost both legs in combat in Gaza, stood on his prosthetics to take his oath, drawing a standing ovation.

The day was marked by significant political friction. Outside the Knesset, hundreds of demonstrators, including Galia Hushen, whose daughter was murdered at the Nova music festival, protested against the inclusion of Arab parties in the government. Inside the plenum, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir heckled Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen during his oath, shouting, "Pledge allegiance to Hamas!" and receiving a warning from Speaker Amir Ohana. Several Arab party members walked out of the hall before the singing of the national anthem, "Hatikvah."

Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, who received 67 recommendations to form the next government, faces intense coalition negotiations. The "change bloc" secured a majority of 61 signatures to propose replacing Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana. Following a speech by Netanyahu, who called for a national unity government but strongly opposed the inclusion of Arab parties, Eisenkot canceled planned coalition talks with Likud.