Opposition leader seeks Netanyahu’s removal as Israel inaugurates new parliament today

Israel's newly elected parliament convened, as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot endeavors to form a government and depose caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the BBC reported on Tuesday. A month-long election concluded inconclusively, leaving both Netanyahu's governing coalition and Eisenkot's opposition pact short of the seats necessary to form a majority government.

President Isaac Herzog subsequently designated Eisenkot, a former Israeli military chief, to form the next administration on Sunday. Out of the 120-member Knesset, Eisenkot's coalition, composed of four parties, secured 48 seats, while Netanyahu's alliance amassed 53. Additionally, two Arab-led alliances earned a combined 19 seats, holding the potential to sway negotiations.

Eisenkot, who has a 28-day window to assemble a coalition (with a possible extension of 14 days), must navigate various challenges - including Netanyahu's opposition to an administration reliant on Arab parties, Netanyahu's call for a national unity government, and the varying positions of Arab-led parties, the ultra-Orthodox parties, and others.