New Israeli Parliament Moves to Repeal Netanyahu Policies

Gadi Eisenkot pledged on Tuesday to dismantle key policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s newly elected parliament was sworn in. The former military chief stated his goal is to reverse the administrative and legal shifts enacted by the outgoing administration. This move places him in direct conflict with Netanyahu, who remains in power as a caretaker while Eisenkot attempts to form a governing coalition.

Eisenkot has six weeks to build a government that would end the tenure of Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. His bloc introduced a package of bills immediately after the legislative session began. These proposals include an official government inquiry into the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. The agenda also seeks to set term limits for the prime ministerial post and undo changes that reduced the powers of the judiciary.

Netanyahu responded to the new parliament with a speech that attacked the possibility of a coalition including Arab-led parties. He argued that these parties, which represent 20 percent of the population, cannot be trusted to govern. Netanyahu challenged Jewish opposition leaders who have expressed willingness to partner with Arab factions. He asked, “Are you prepared to be dependent on those whose goal is the destruction of the Jewish state?”

Eisenkot labeled Netanyahu’s remarks as divisive and hate-filled. The former general said the speech confirmed his belief that Netanyahu is unfit for office. Eisenkot canceled a meeting with Likud party leaders that had been scheduled for Wednesday. He emphasized that his future government would serve all citizens, regardless of who they voted for, out of deep commitment.

The new Knesset controls a solid majority, allowing it to enact legislation even before a formal coalition is established. Members of Eisenkot’s bloc submitted signatures on Tuesday to remove the current parliamentary speaker, Amir Ohana, who backs Netanyahu. This step initiates a vote to replace the speaker, a position that holds significant power in determining which bills advance. The opposition nominated Matan Kahana, a senior member of the Yashar party, for the role.

A vote to appoint a new speaker could occur as early as this week. The speaker determines the legislative agenda, meaning a change in leadership could accelerate the passage of Eisenkot’s priority bills. The transitional period creates a unique political dynamic where the old cabinet retains executive authority while the new legislature begins reshaping the law.

As caretaker prime minister, Netanyahu faces court-imposed limits on his powers but retains full control over national security and the military. He can still make appointments and attempt to block new legislation. Eisenkot continues to negotiate with party leaders to assemble a coalition. If he fails to secure a majority within the six-week deadline, President Isaac Herzog is expected to offer Netanyahu a second chance to form a government.

Netanyahu has argued that a Jewish-led unity government is necessary to counter the threat of an Iranian attack. He urged his allies to set aside other considerations and work to topple the Iranian government. A governing coalition without Netanyahu would leave him politically exposed as he faces an ongoing corruption trial and potential findings of security failures related to the October 7 attacks.