During the swearing‑in ceremony of Israel’s new Knesset on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government that would include his opponents. He argued that only such a broad coalition could confront the nation’s “magnitude” of challenges, citing threats from Iran and the growing number of Palestinian‑citizen lawmakers.
Netanyahu’s appeal was met with a hostile reaction. Opposition members heckled him, walked out, and some even shouted catcalls. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett traded barbs with Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, while hard‑right ally Itamar Ben‑Gvir joined the confrontation. The Palestinian lawmakers who were targeted in Netanyahu’s speech staged a walkout in protest.
Following the session, Gadi Eisenkot—who had been given the first opportunity to form a new government—canceled coalition talks with Netanyahu and declared the former leader “unfit for office.” Eisenkot’s decision signals a potential shift in power, as Netanyahu’s majority has been lost and the opposition now holds a parliamentary majority.
Netanyahu has long been a central figure in Israeli politics, shaping a system that prioritizes personalities over party platforms. Analysts note that voters often identify first with a leader they like, then focus on policy. Despite his influence, Netanyahu now faces the possibility of being removed from office and continuing his corruption trial without the protection of the prime minister’s office.
Should Eisenkot succeed in forming a viable government, investigations into Netanyahu’s conduct and his administration’s handling of the events leading up to the Hamas‑led attack on October 7, 2023, are likely to intensify. Experts suggest that even if Netanyahu’s political career ends, the legacy of personality politics he helped create will endure in Israeli politics.
Source: Al Jazeera
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