Israel's parliament sworn in as Eisenkot tries to forge a government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog presided over the swearing-in of parliament on Tuesday, November 10, without a new government in place. The deadlocked election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without a parliamentary majority, and his main rivals failed to secure a clear path to power. Gadi Eisenkot, a former general, was tasked with forming a coalition but lacked a majority and had yet to strike deals with potential partner parties.

If neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu succeed, another election may follow. President Herzog urged lawmakers to avoid another election and emphasized the importance of their work. Netanyahu remained caretaker prime minister until a new candidate could form a coalition. His right-wing Likud party, allied with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, secured 53 seats, while Eisenkot's center-right Yesh Atid party and coalition partners held 48 seats.

The new parliament could still investigate the October 7 Hamas attacks and potentially set up a commission of inquiry, which is backed by Arab parties but opposed by Netanyahu. Eisenkot has until December 6 to form a government and can request a two-week extension to December 20. The path to power is complex, with options including a minority government, ultra-Orthodox parties, or a unity government with Netanyahu, all of which face significant challenges.