The newly sworn-in 26th Knesset has become the stage for intense political manoeuvring, as Gadi Eisenkot's bloc moves to consolidate power and assign key committee roles. Meanwhile, humanitarian officials warn that winter conditions in Gaza remain dire despite continued aid deliveries, and incidents of antisemitism and religious vandalism have drawn fresh attention both at home and abroad.

Politics

Israel's 26th Knesset held its swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, with Gadi Eisenkot's bloc moving quickly to assert control over key parliamentary positions. The bloc has agreed to nominate Yashar's Matan Kahana as Knesset Speaker, with Avigdor Liberman set to chair the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, which oversees legislation related to IDF conscription. B'Yachad's Liran Avisar Ben-Horin is set to become the first female chair of the Finance Committee. Liberman declared he was giving Eisenkot 'full backing' and was not seeking rotation, dismissing contrary reports as 'lies'. He also called for the Shin Bet chief and police commissioner to appear before the Knesset to address an 'unreasonable gap' in accounts relating to the election affair. Bezalel Smotrich of Religious Zionism urged Matan Kahana to refuse the Speaker role if his appointment depends on support from Arab parties, warning he was being lured into a political trap. Naftali Bennett, breaking his silence following failed talks with Haredi parties, said he was doing 'everything possible' to help Eisenkot and pledged to pursue a 'revolution of service', while insisting there was no time to lose given reservists' calls for change. Gadi Eisenkot himself told his faction he would not compromise on principles of equal national service or on the goal of dismantling Hamas's military and governing capabilities. A former Netanyahu adviser claimed the prime minister is in a state of 'panic' over the prospect of Eisenkot becoming premier, suggesting this could make him more willing to compromise. Separately, Netanyahu published remarks criticising what he described as a mechanism of division, arguing that casting fellow citizens as threats before calling for unity against them undermines social cohesion. Several right-wing organisations were reported to be planning demonstrations outside the Knesset during the swearing-in.

Security

The Board of Peace has warned that winter aid deliveries to Gaza remain 'insufficient' despite more than 8,200 truck deliveries having entered the territory. Israel says over 91,000 tents have been delivered, but flooding continues to worsen conditions for displaced families. In Nahariya, a 21-year-old resident was arrested and confessed to desecrating a church used by the Christian Lebanese community, telling investigators he harboured hostility towards the Christian faith. He faces charges including break-in, religious insult, and malicious damage to property, with a Kiryat Shmona court extending his detention.

International

A new poll found that 71% of Americans want the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress to move to end President Trump's involvement in conflict with Iran, with 93% of Democrats and 51% of Republicans backing legislation to that effect; large majorities in both parties also want cost-of-living issues prioritised. Separately, the United States is set to become the first nation to entirely avoid review by the UN Human Rights Council, having missed three scheduled dates for its representatives to answer questions from peer nations, raising concern among critics that other states may follow suit. In Canada, a man who fired shots at a Jewish school in Montreal in 2023 was sentenced to 66 months in prison; no injuries were reported in the attack, though bullet holes and shell casings were found at the scene. In the UK, a senior London councillor responsible for children's services was linked to a Facebook campaign that sought to have West Ham footballer Manor Solomon removed from the club, with members reportedly branding him a 'baby killer'. Anti-antisemitism organisations condemned the campaign as intimidation rather than legitimate protest.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post