Israel's new Knesset convenes amid coalition deadlock
The 26th Knesset was sworn in on 10 Nov with 120 members but without a governing coalition, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as caretaker. President Isaac Herzog tasked former security chief Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government, though his Yashar bloc holds only 48 of the 120 seats, short of a majority. Netanyahu's Likud bloc controls 53 seats and Arab‑led parties hold 19 seats, creating uncertainty over coalition prospects and raising the risk of another election. Herzog urged lawmakers to seek compromise and avoid a repeat vote.
Key facts
- Yonathan Shalev, 24, became the youngest Knesset member in history.
- The new Knesset includes 47 first‑time members and 33 women.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir interrupted Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen's oath, prompting a walk‑out.
- Democratic MK Gilad Kariv left the ceremony, accusing Speaker Amir Ohana of politicising the speech.
- Eisenkot plans to repeal five laws enacted under Netanyahu, covering judiciary and media.
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Why it matters
A stalled coalition could trigger an early election, affecting Israel's political stability.
What changed
First published from The Jerusalem Post, The Straits Times, Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye and Asharq Al-Awsat