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Israel’s newly elected 26th Knesset held its swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new parliamentary session. The ceremony proceeded amid demonstrations by right-wing organisations outside the Knesset building.

The change bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is moving to assert control of government formation. Multiple sources report that the bloc has agreed on key committee positions: Matan Kahana (Yashar party) as Knesset speaker, Avigdor Liberman (Israel Beiteinu) as head of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, and Liran Avisar Ben Horin (B’Yachad) as Finance Committee chair.

Liberman declared full support for Eisenkot, stating he is not seeking any rotation arrangement. Eisenkot’s Esh party emphasised commitment to key principles including equal military service burden and dismantling Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities.

Bennett’s Yamina party signalled support for the formation process, with Bennett stating he is doing everything to help Eisenkot and pledging to implement a “Zionist correction government.” However, political tensions remain evident, with Religious Zionism’s Smotrich criticising government formation negotiations and calling on Kahana to refuse the speaker position if his appointment depends on Arab party support.

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

Update 15:15: New government formation