Herzog urges new Knesset to avoid repeat vote as Eisenkot starts 28-day clock
The Israeli president called for an independent probe into the October 7 attacks during the swearing-in ceremony for the 26th parliament.
By Christopher Singh ·
Israeli President Isaac Herzog told lawmakers on Tuesday to work quickly to prevent a second election. He made the request during the opening speech for the 26th Knesset, a session that began after the recent general vote left the country without a clear governing majority.
Herzog specifically called on party leaders to make concessions. He urged them to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to stabilize the political situation. The new parliament now faces the immediate task of forming a government while addressing security concerns.
The president tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government on Sunday. Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a coalition, with the option for a single 14-day extension. He stated that he is committed to forming a national emergency government as fast as possible.
Eisenkot and his allies plan to use their legislative seats to push for an independent inquiry into the October 7 Hamas attacks. Netanyahu previously refused to form such a commission, arguing that a panel appointed by the Supreme Court would be biased against the government. Eisenkot’s bloc hopes to move rapidly on this investigation.
Netanyahu and his Likud Party continue to contest the results of the October 27 elections. They claim foreign interference after Palestinian-Israeli parties secured a 19-seat bloc. However, election officials have certified the results and dismissed allegations of widespread violations. The speaker of the Knesset, a Likud member, will remain in a caretaker role until a new vote is held.
Herzog also addressed the threat from Iran, stating that Tehran does not pause in its plots and threats. He emphasized the need to fortify the alliance with the United States. He noted that Israel must build a stable political horizon with neighbors and strengthen peace agreements with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Eisenkot has not yet secured deals with enough parties to reach the 61-seat majority required to govern. Yashar, his party, has already collected 61 signatures from new parliamentarians to demand an immediate vote for the Knesset speaker. If neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu forms a coalition, the country will face another round of elections.
