Israel's New Knesset: Opposition Seizes Control From Netanyahu 2026

Israel's new Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, and opposition lawmakers immediately moved to seize control of the legislature from Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies. Although the opposition remains too divided to form a government, it has deployed its majority to challenge Netanyahu's grip on the Knesset agenda. The dramatic session marks a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, with far-reaching implications for the country's leadership and policy direction.

Opposition Moves to Replace Knesset Speaker

The opposition's first move was to request a vote for a new speaker, the official who sets the Knesset's agenda. Replacing Netanyahu loyalist Amir Ohana is seen as crucial for the opposition to advance its legislative priorities. Once Ohana is replaced, the six opposition parties will be able to work on key legislation even without forming a coalition government. This procedural maneuver represents a significant shift in power dynamics within the Knesset.

The opposition's ability to elect a new speaker would give it control over the parliamentary schedule, allowing it to push forward bills that Netanyahu's coalition has long blocked. This could lead to a series of legislative battles in the coming weeks.

Key Legislative Priorities for the Opposition

The opposition has outlined several priorities, including setting up a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, attacks and introducing term limits for Israel's prime ministers. The latter could block Netanyahu from taking power again, as he has ruled Israel for 19 of the last 30 years. These moves signal a desire to address long-standing grievances and reshape Israel's political landscape.

• State commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks to examine security failures.
• Term limits for prime ministers to prevent prolonged rule and encourage leadership turnover.
• Replacing the Knesset speaker to gain control of the legislative agenda.
• Advancing key legislation even without a formal coalition government.
• Challenging Netanyahu's influence and his allies' grip on the Knesset.

Gadi Eisenkot's Mandate to Form a Government

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot now holds the presidential mandate to try to form a government. If he fails to broker a deal within six weeks, a second candidate—probably Netanyahu—will get a second chance. Further failure is likely to lead to another election. Eisenkot's task is daunting, as he must unite a fragmented opposition while navigating deep ideological divides.

The outcome of Eisenkot's efforts will determine whether Israel faces yet another round of elections or a new government. The stakes are high, and the opposition's moves in the Knesset are likely to influence the negotiations.

Netanyahu's Controversial Response

Netanyahu responded to the swearing-in of the new Knesset with a racist attack on two Palestinian-led opposition parties, whose voters were key to unseating his coalition. He called their lawmakers "terror supporters." Eisenkot denounced his speech as a "delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful" exploitation of a state occasion, saying it showed the prime minister was unfit for office. The exchange underscores the deep polarization in Israeli politics.

The inflammatory rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with many calling for a more measured approach to the political transition. The incident also highlights the challenges facing any future coalition in bridging the divide.

What This Means for Israel's Political Future

The opposition's seizure of legislative control, even without a government, represents a significant blow to Netanyahu's authority. It also signals a potential shift in how Israeli politics operates, with the Knesset becoming a battleground for competing visions of the country's future. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the opposition can translate its parliamentary majority into lasting change.

Observers are watching closely to see if the opposition can maintain unity and push through its legislative agenda. The outcome will have profound implications for Israel's domestic and foreign policies, as well as its democratic institutions.

Key Takeaways and Comparison

To understand the significance of these developments, it's helpful to compare the current situation with previous political transitions in Israel. The table below outlines the key differences and similarities. The background to this story is set out in Business: latest articles.

FAQ

The coming weeks will be critical as Israel navigates this political crisis. The opposition's bold move to control the Knesset, combined with Eisenkot's mandate, could reshape the country's leadership and policies for years to come.