Tel Aviv: Gadi Eisenkot, the politician tasked with forming Israel's next government, has pledged to reverse several policies introduced by Benjamin Netanyahu as the country's newly elected parliament was sworn in on Tuesday.
The pledge sets the stage for a crucial period of legislative activity and coalition negotiations. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has up to six weeks to form a government, potentially ending the tenure of Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
Although it remains uncertain whether Eisenkot can secure enough support to form a coalition, the newly constituted Knesset can begin passing legislation in the meantime. Netanyahu's opponents now hold a clear majority in parliament.
Eisenkot's bloc introduced a series of bills at the beginning of the legislative session targeting Netanyahu and his policies. The proposals include setting up an official government-led inquiry into Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks, introducing term limits for the prime minister's office and reversing judicial changes brought in by the outgoing Netanyahu-led government that restricted the judiciary's powers.
It was not immediately clear how quickly the proposed legislation would progress or how much of it could be implemented in the coming weeks.
Competing calls for unity
Eisenkot, a former general who campaigned on a straightforward and pragmatic platform, reiterated on Tuesday that he wanted to establish a government that represented all Israelis rather than specific political factions.
“We will act for all citizens of Israel, those who voted for us and those who did not, out of deep commitment,” Eisenkot said ahead of the Knesset's swearing-in ceremony.
Netanyahu has attempted to challenge the certified election results after his political bloc failed to secure a parliamentary majority. He has repeatedly made unsubstantiated allegations that Arab-led parties had “stolen” the elections.
Addressing parliament after Tuesday's ceremony, Netanyahu criticised opposition leaders who have indicated their willingness to work with Arab parties to form a government.
Eisenkot has kept that possibility open, subject to certain conditions, including the parties' acceptance of Israel's identity as a Jewish state and their recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
“I ask you: are you prepared to be dependent on those whose goal is the destruction of the Jewish state?” Netanyahu said.
Eisenkot described Netanyahu's speech as “divisive” and “hate-filled”.
Eisenkot's bloc also initiated the process of replacing the parliamentary speaker on Tuesday as it began advancing its legislative priorities.
A majority of Knesset members submitted signatures seeking the removal of the current speaker, Amir Ohana, who is backed by Netanyahu. The move marks the first step towards a parliamentary vote on appointing his successor. The process can proceed even before a new coalition government is formed.
The position of Knesset speaker carries considerable influence, as the office determines which bills are taken up for discussion and consideration. An opposition-backed speaker could therefore help accelerate the legislative agenda of parties supporting Eisenkot.
The opposition has nominated Matan Kahana, a senior member of Eisenkot's Yashar party, for the position. A vote on his appointment could take place as early as this week.
The swearing-in of the new Knesset has ushered in an unusual transitional phase in Israeli politics. While Netanyahu and his Cabinet continue to remain in office, newly elected lawmakers can introduce legislation.
Eisenkot, meanwhile, is expected to hold discussions with political party leaders to secure the support needed to form a coalition government, which would likely make him the next prime minister.
If he fails to form a government within the stipulated period, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to give Netanyahu another opportunity to assemble a coalition.
As caretaker prime minister, Netanyahu faces court-imposed restrictions on his powers. However, he can continue making appointments and may attempt to block proposed legislation. He retains full authority over national security matters, including the military.
Netanyahu has called on Jewish-led political parties to form a unity government, citing the threat of a possible Iranian attack. Renewing the appeal on Tuesday, he urged the parties to “set aside all other considerations” and said Israel should work towards toppling the Iranian government.
A coalition government formed without Netanyahu could further weaken his political position as he faces an ongoing corruption trial and possible findings of security failures ahead of the October 7 attacks.