Israel's Knesset sworn in as coalition talks begin under Eisenkot

Israel's parliament was sworn in on Tuesday after the October 27 election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without a parliamentary majority and offered no clear path for his rivals to form a government. Lawmakers took their oaths as former general Gadi Eisenkot, tasked by President Isaac Herzog on Sunday to form a coalition, began negotiations.

President Herzog urged the new members to avoid a repeat election, calling for compromise and generosity among rivals. He emphasized the need to investigate the October 7 Hamas attacks and address ongoing security threats.

Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister, with his Likud alliance holding 53 of the 120 Knesset seats, short of a majority. Eisenkot's centre-right Yashar party and allied factions control 48 seats, but could seek support from Arab-led parties that hold 19 seats and oppose Netanyahu. Potential coalition options include a minority government with Arab backing, bringing ultra-Orthodox parties into the fold, or a unity government with Netanyahu, each facing significant hurdles.

Ultra-Orthodox parties have so far ruled out joining an Eisenkot-led cabinet. Netanyahu, after the swearing-in, called for a unity government and warned of Iran's nuclear ambitions and international pressure. He also alleged, without evidence, voter fraud by Arab voters, a claim election officials have found no basis for.

Eisenkot has until Dec 6 to form a government, with a possible two-week extension. He submitted bills to establish a commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, impose term limits on the prime minister, and repeal parts of a judicial overhaul enacted under Netanyahu. Among those sworn in was Elisha Madan, a reservist who lost both legs in Gaza, receiving a standing ovation as he took the oath.