Eisenkot Vows to Reverse Netanyahu Policies as New Knesset Sworn In
At a Glance
Gadi Eisenkot has up to six weeks to form a new Israeli government.
His bloc has introduced bills targeting Netanyahu's policies.
Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister.
Gadi Eisenkot, the politician tasked with forming Israel's next government, pledged Tuesday to reverse many of Benjamin Netanyahu's policies as the new parliament was sworn in, opening a consequential month of legislation and coalition talks.
Key Statements and Focus Area
Eisenkot on Governing: "We will act for all citizens of Israel, those who voted for us and those who did not, out of deep commitment." — Gadi Eisenkot, former military chief.
Netanyahu on Arab Parties: "Are you prepared to be dependent on those whose goal is the destruction of the Jewish state?" — Benjamin Netanyahu, caretaker Prime Minister.
Focus Area: The start of the new Knesset and the race between Eisenkot and Netanyahu to shape Israel's next government.
Netanyahu's opponents now hold a solid majority in parliament and can pass legislation even before a coalition is formed.
Eisenkot's bloc introduced bills to launch an official government-led inquiry into the October 7, 2023 attacks, set term limits for the prime minister, and overturn the outgoing government's changes limiting the judiciary's powers. How fast these bills advance is unclear.
The bloc also began the process of ousting Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a Netanyahu ally, by submitting a majority of signatures.
It nominated Matan Kahana of Eisenkot's Yashar party, and a vote could come as early as this week. The speaker controls which bills the Knesset takes up, making the post key to the opposition's agenda.
Netanyahu has tried to undermine the certified results, repeating unsubstantiated claims that Arab-led parties "stole" the election.
Eisenkot has left open partnering with Arab parties if they accept Israel's identity as a Jewish state and declare Hamas a terrorist group, and called Netanyahu's speech "divisive" and "hate-filled."
Netanyahu urged Jewish-led parties to form a unity government against the Iranian threat and said Israel should work to topple Iran's government.
As caretaker, he faces court-imposed limits but keeps full authority over national security. If Eisenkot fails, President Isaac Herzog is expected to give Netanyahu the next chance.
FYI
A government without Netanyahu could leave him politically exposed as he faces an ongoing corruption trial and possible findings of security failures before the October 7 attacks. Eisenkot would end the tenure of Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
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