# Tense Knesset Inauguration Signals Difficult Coalition Talks in Israel Gadi Eisenkot faces a fractured parliament while challenging Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership following recent elections. - **Source:** [Le Monde – International](https://www.lemonde.fr/international) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6d517851-fd11-438d-834e-231a808f9d91 ## Inauguration Amidst High Tension The 26th Knesset opened on November 10, 2026, in an atmosphere of intense political hostility. President Isaac Herzog presided over the swearing-in ceremony, urging rival factions to seek compromise. However, the session was immediately marred by verbal confrontations, reflecting the deep divisions currently paralyzing the Israeli legislative landscape after recent elections. ## Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu's Legacy Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the anti-Netanyahu bloc, initiated a legislative offensive immediately upon taking office. His party, Yashar!, submitted a bill to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, attacks. This move directly targets the outgoing Prime Minister, whom the opposition holds responsible for critical security failures. ## Netanyahu's Defensive Political Stance Benjamin Netanyahu, facing the potential end of his nineteen-year political dominance, remains defiant against his rivals. During the session, he characterized the current political climate as an existential threat, specifically citing Iran. He also launched sharp attacks against Arab-Israeli parties, accusing them of undermining the state, which triggered vocal interruptions from opposition members. ## Complex Arithmetic of Power Forming a government remains a daunting task due to the lack of a clear majority. Netanyahu’s bloc holds 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s coalition commands 48. Although Eisenkot could theoretically reach a majority with support from Arab-Israeli lists, internal resistance from secular nationalists like Avigdor Liberman complicates these potential alliances significantly. ## Battle for Parliamentary Leadership The immediate focus for the new Knesset is the election of a new speaker to replace Amir Ohana. The opposition has nominated Matan Kahana, a former military officer, for the role. This contest has sparked protests from far-right groups, who oppose any leadership change supported by Arab-Israeli party votes. ## Legislative Agenda and Reforms Beyond government formation, the opposition plans to dismantle several policies enacted by the previous coalition. Key priorities include reversing restrictions on the Supreme Court’s authority and repealing laws that facilitate the dismissal of the Attorney General. These legislative battles are expected to dominate the parliamentary agenda in the coming weeks. ## Deepening Social and Political Fractures The political deadlock is exacerbated by severe social polarization intensified since the October 7 events. Rhetoric in the Knesset has become increasingly vitriolic, with leaders labeling opponents as shameful or delusional. These divisions make the prospect of a stable national unity government appear increasingly unlikely in the current volatile environment. ## Security and Parliamentary Alert The parliamentary guard has been placed on high alert due to planned demonstrations outside the Knesset. Protesters gathered to oppose the potential influence of Arab-Israeli parties in the speaker election. These tensions highlight the fragile security situation and the public’s intense emotional involvement in the ongoing legislative power struggle. ## Uncertain Path Toward Stability Israel faces a period of prolonged uncertainty as political leaders navigate a fractured parliament. With neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot securing a clear path to 61 seats, the nation remains in a state of political limbo. The coming weeks will determine whether a functional government can emerge from these bitter negotiations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/11/10/en-israel-la-premiere-session-sous-tension-a-la-knesset-laisse-presager-des-tractations-difficiles-dans-les-semaines-a-venir_6808849_3211.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._