Israel Swears In New Parliament as Netanyahu Remains Caretaker Prime Minister

JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel has sworn in its newly elected parliament, marking the beginning of a politically uncertain period as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office in a caretaker capacity while negotiations to establish a new government continue.

The 120 members of the 26th Knesset took their oaths of office on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, following the October 27 general election, which failed to give either Netanyahu's governing alliance or the opposition a clear parliamentary majority.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu and other senior political figures.

Addressing lawmakers, Herzog urged political leaders to put aside their differences and work towards forming a stable government, warning against the possibility of another election.

He called on parliamentarians to pursue compromise and avoid further political uncertainty at a time when Israel faces significant domestic and international challenges.

Netanyahu Remains in Power as Coalition Talks Continue

Despite the inauguration of the new parliament, Netanyahu and his cabinet will remain in office until a new governing coalition is successfully formed.

Netanyahu's Likud-led alliance secured 53 seats in the 120-member parliament, falling short of the 61 seats required for a governing majority.

His political rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, leads the Yashar party and a coalition of opposition partners holding 48 seats.

Arab-led political parties secured the remaining 19 seats, giving them a potentially influential role in determining the country's next government.

The election outcome has left Israel facing complicated coalition negotiations, with political disagreements making it difficult for either side to secure sufficient support.

Eisenkot Given First Opportunity to Form Government

President Herzog has given Eisenkot the first opportunity to form a new government after receiving recommendations from parliamentary factions representing 67 lawmakers.

Eisenkot has an initial 28 days to negotiate a coalition agreement, with the possibility of a further 14-day extension.

His biggest challenge will be bringing together political parties with significantly different ideological positions.

One possible route involves securing support from Arab-led parties, although such an arrangement has faced resistance from some right-wing political figures.

Another option would involve convincing lawmakers from Netanyahu's political camp to support a broader national unity government.

Eisenkot has indicated that he is open to establishing a government that represents a wider section of Israeli society.

If he fails to secure a governing majority, Herzog could invite another candidate, potentially Netanyahu, to attempt to form a government.

New Parliament Moves to Challenge Netanyahu's Legacy

Even before a new government is established, Netanyahu's political opponents have begun introducing legislative proposals aimed at reversing several policies associated with his administration.

Among the proposals is the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel.

The proposed investigation would examine security and intelligence failures surrounding the attacks, which triggered the subsequent war in Gaza.

Eisenkot's political allies have also proposed introducing term limits for prime ministers and reversing controversial judicial reforms implemented under Netanyahu's government.

The proposals could reshape Israel's political and institutional landscape if they secure sufficient parliamentary support.

The opposition has also moved to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a close Netanyahu ally, with Matan Kahana, an associate of Eisenkot.

Netanyahu Calls for National Unity

Addressing lawmakers during the opening parliamentary session, Netanyahu called for the establishment of a national unity government, arguing that Israel needs political stability to confront mounting security challenges.

He highlighted tensions with Iran and the broader regional security situation as reasons for political parties to work together.

However, Eisenkot strongly criticised Netanyahu's remarks, accusing the outgoing prime minister of using national security concerns to defend his political position.

The exchange highlighted the deep divisions between the two political camps and the difficulties likely to emerge during coalition negotiations.

Arab Parties Become Key to Government Formation

The 19 seats held by Arab-led political parties have become a major factor in determining the future composition of Israel's government.

Their potential involvement in a coalition led by Eisenkot has generated controversy among some Israeli political leaders, particularly those opposed to cooperation with Arab political factions.

Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, has expressed willingness to participate in a future government, arguing that Arab citizens should have a meaningful role in national decision-making.

The issue is expected to remain one of the most contentious aspects of the ongoing negotiations.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be crucial for Israel's political future as Eisenkot attempts to secure the parliamentary support needed to become prime minister.

If successful, he would bring an end to Netanyahu's latest period in office and introduce a new political leadership arrangement.

If negotiations collapse, Netanyahu could receive another opportunity to form a government. Failure by both candidates could eventually lead to another general election.

For now, Netanyahu retains the responsibilities of prime minister, including authority over national security, while the newly sworn-in Knesset begins its legislative work.