Israel's new parliament to be sworn in as leaders compete to form government

Parliamentary elections in Israel concluded on October 27, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a potential challenge for re-election. Opposition leaders, led by Gadi Eisenkot, have announced an initial deal for forming a coalition government. Eisenkot's Yashar party, which saw a record number of new members in the Knesset, is set to play a key role in this process.

The opposition bloc, lacking a majority in the 120-member parliament, will likely need to secure support from either Arab parties or defectors from Netanyahu's camp. Avigdor Lieberman, a controversial former defense minister, is among the nominees for a Knesset role and would be crucial to an Eisenkot government. However, Lieberman has ruled out working with Arab parties.

Other key appointments include Liran Avisar Ben-Horin, from Bennett's party, who will chair the finance committee, and Matan Kahana, from Eisenkot's Yashar party, who is chosen to become the Knesset speaker. Roy Folkman and another party colleague are nominated for the procedure committee.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog extended an invitation to Eisenkot to form a government, providing him with 28 days to assemble a majority. If unsuccessful, Netanyahu could retain power. The opposition's platform focuses on maintaining a hard stance against Iran and opposing Palestinian statehood, while Eisenkot aims to improve Israel's global image and investigate security issues under Netanyahu's leadership.