Israeli President Urges Unity to Avoid New Elections Amid Political Uncertainty

In a pivotal address marking the opening of the new parliamentary session, Israeli President Isaac Herzog implored lawmakers to exhaust all avenues in investigating the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the 120 members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, Herzog stressed the importance of leaving "no stone unturned" in the inquiry. This call comes at a critical juncture, as the recent election has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc short of a parliamentary majority.

President Herzog directly appealed to party leaders to demonstrate a willingness to "make concessions" and to "do everything possible to avoid a repeat election." The ceremony on Tuesday welcomed the newly elected members of the 26th Knesset. Following the election's outcome, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot was tasked by the president on Sunday with forming the country’s next government. He now has 28 days, with a potential 14-day extension, to assemble a coalition.

Eisenkot and his allies, despite also lacking a clear parliamentary majority, aim to leverage their legislative position to expedite the establishment of an independent commission to probe the October 7 attacks. "I am committed in this complex situation to form a national emergency government as quickly as possible," Eisenkot stated prior to the Knesset session. This contrasts with Prime Minister Netanyahu's prior refusal to establish such a commission, citing concerns of bias from a panel appointed by the Israeli Supreme Court.

Addressing foreign policy, President Herzog highlighted Iran's persistent threats, stating that Tehran "does not stop even for a moment in its plots and threats, whether directly or through its partners." He reiterated this concern, which he had also voiced when officially delegating Eisenkot the task of government formation. Amidst growing public disapproval of Israel in the United States due to the conflict in Gaza and the broader US-Israel stance on Iran, Herzog emphasized the necessity for Israel to "fortify the alliance" with the United States.

Furthermore, Herzog advocated for regional stability, stating, "Alongside the stubborn and determined war against those who seek to harm us, we must build a stable political horizon in the region with our neighbours." He underscored the importance of strengthening and expanding existing peace agreements with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

The article also touches upon the ongoing political gridlock. The Knesset speaker, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud Party, will continue in a caretaker capacity until a new vote is conducted. Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh reported from the occupied West Bank that Eisenkot’s party, Yashar, has submitted 61 signatures from new parliamentarians demanding an expedited vote. Netanyahu and his bloc have contested the election results of October 27, alleging foreign interference after Palestinian-Israeli parties formed a 19-seat bloc. However, these allegations have been dismissed, with results certified and authorities refuting claims of widespread violations.

Eisenkot has not yet secured agreements with sufficient parties to reach the 61-seat majority required to form a government. Should neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu succeed in forming a coalition, Israel could face another round of elections.