Israel's 26th Knesset must restore dignity, accountability, and public trust - editorial
However bitter the election campaign, the swearing-in ceremony reminds us that the public has entrusted 120 citizens with the serious business of representing it and governing the country.
Israel's 26th Knesset is set to convene, marking the first gathering of newly elected members alongside veteran parliamentarians. Despite the bitterness of the election campaign, the swearing-in ceremony serves as a reminder that the public has entrusted 120 citizens with the crucial task of representing them and governing the nation. However, the institution's standing has been marred by years of political confrontation, with every faction sharing responsibility for setting the right tone.
The previous Knesset witnessed numerous sessions devolving into shouting matches, personal attacks, and procedural disputes. While such scenes might garner attention, they do little to enhance legislation or foster public confidence. Israelis have every right to expect better from those who earn their salaries and whose decisions impact their lives.
The new parliament embarks on its duties amid political uncertainty, with President Isaac Herzog assigning the task of forming a government to Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot. However, no clear coalition majority emerged from the elections, leading to ongoing negotiations that could span weeks without a guarantee of success.
The role of the Knesset speaker has become a contentious issue, potentially overshadowing the inauguration. Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot has reached out to Shas and United Torah Judaism for support in replacing incumbent Speaker Amir Ohana of Likud. UTJ chairman Yaakov Asher has contended that a new speaker should be appointed following the formation of a government, a perspective that could grant the opposition bloc greater control over parliamentary proceedings.
Despite this, incumbent Speaker Ohana has pledged to hold a vote within a week if 61 MKs submit a formal request, rejecting the idea of a vote on inauguration day. The precedent set in 2020, when the High Court stepped in after then-speaker Yuli Edelstein refused to convene a vote, should serve as a cautionary tale. A speaker presides over the entire Knesset, including his political adversaries, and must adhere to the institution's procedures.
Reports of potential plans to disrupt a future speaker vote are troubling, though unsubstantiated. All parties must unequivocally state that intimidation, blocking access to the chamber, or preventing elected representatives from voting has no place in Israel's democracy. However, parliamentary responsibility extends beyond the speaker.
Members of the Knesset (MKs) are elected to scrutinize government decisions, review budgets, serve on committees, and draft laws subject to proper debate. Opposition members are obligated to challenge the government vigorously, while coalition members must be prepared to answer criticism and exercise independent judgment.
In a nation facing threats from within and without, these duties assume even greater significance. Families of reservists, small business owners, and citizens awaiting public services require a functioning legislature, irrespective of the coalition negotiations' outcome. While heated arguments are an inevitable part of any healthy democracy, political disagreements should not frequently escalate into personal attacks, shouting matches, or procedural disruptions.
MKs must honor their oath on Tuesday by fulfilling their duties to the people, learning their responsibilities, and ensuring that political differences are debated with respect. The 26th Knesset has the opportunity to restore the institution's reputation as an entity serving the entire country, offering a new hope for the Israeli public.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
