Israel's new Knesset sworn in as opposition moves to control parliamentary agenda

Israel's newly elected Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday as political leaders clashed over coalition negotiations following the inconclusive parliamentary election.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, who was tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming a government, moved alongside opposition allies to assert control over the legislature. Utilizing their combined majority, opposition parties sought to replace Speaker Amir Ohana and establish a parliamentary commission to investigate Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack—a probe long resisted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During the session, Herzog urged lawmakers to seek compromise to avoid another election. However, Netanyahu delivered a harsh speech targeting Arab-Israeli parties, accusing them of "destroying the Jewish state." While the opposition holds enough votes to direct parliamentary procedure, building a stable coalition remains an uphill challenge.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.