Jerusalem — Israel’s newly elected 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, with all 120 members taking the oath of office amid ongoing coalition negotiations and no new government yet formed. President Isaac Herzog addressed the opening session, urging lawmakers to avoid another round of elections and stressing the need for unity, routine, security, and a full examination of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and the figure tasked by Herzog with attempting to form a government, saw his bloc move quickly. On the first day, Yashar and allied parties submitted legislation to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, impose term limits on the prime minister, and reverse key elements of the judicial reforms advanced under caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s previous government.

The Numbers Behind the Coalition Puzzle

The election on October 27 left Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc with 53 seats, while parties opposed to him hold a majority but lack a straightforward path to a stable coalition. Eisenkot has until early December (with a possible short extension) to try to assemble a government. The new Knesset includes a high number of first-time members and a record number of women lawmakers.

Israel: Hamas Must Disarm Before Gaza Reconstruction

Also on Tuesday, Israel reiterated that Hamas must fully surrender its weapons and that the Gaza Strip must be demilitarized before any large-scale reconstruction can begin under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Hamas has not surrendered a single weapon to date and remains the principal obstacle to rebuilding. Israel said it continues to work with the United States and the Board of Peace while facilitating winter humanitarian supplies.

Talks on New U.S. Military Aid Framework Aiming Toward Phase-Out by 2033

Separately, Israel and the United States are negotiating a revised military assistance arrangement. Reports indicate the emerging framework would maintain roughly current annual levels of direct financing for a shorter period after the existing memorandum expires in 2028—effectively running through around 2033—before ending traditional grant-style aid. The shift is expected to emphasize joint technology development, co-production, and a deeper defense partnership rather than continued large-scale direct assistance.

Heated Knesset Exchange as Netanyahu Calls for Unity

The opening day also featured sharp political confrontation. After the swearing-in, Netanyahu called for a national unity government to confront threats from Iran and other challenges. He was interrupted by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who demanded answers regarding alleged Qatari connections involving Netanyahu’s advisers and pressed for a state inquiry into the October 7 attacks. The exchange grew heated, with further interventions from other lawmakers.

Herzog urged lawmakers to avoid another round of elections, stressing unity, routine, security, and a full examination of October 7.— Summary of President Isaac Herzog’s address

The new parliament begins its work under significant domestic political pressure and while Israel continues to manage the aftermath of the multi-year Gaza conflict and broader regional security issues.