Eisenkot and Opposition Bloc Prepare Knesset Takeover and State Inquiry
Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot and anti-Knesset bloc leaders are preparing to seize control of parliamentary committees to advance a state inquiry into the October 7 massacre and repeal judicial reforms.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, is preparing to take control of key Knesset committees and positions even before launching coalition negotiations to form a government. According to reports, one of the first decisive moves will be establishing a special committee for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, bypassing government resolution through primary legislation.
Simultaneously, leaders of the anti-Netanyahu bloc have decided to establish six to eight special legislative committees. These panels will focus on repealing judicial overhaul legislation while advancing urgent laws utilizing the parliamentary majority held by Netanyahu opponents in the Knesset. "We must leverage our parliamentary majority in the Knesset and get to work," Eisenkot explained.
Parliamentary Strategy and Challenges
The bloc relies on a parliamentary majority of 67 lawmakers opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, experts note that achieving core legislative goals through these special committees will remain challenging without a formal government. These panels will operate alongside efforts to staff the critical Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Finance Committee with bloc representatives.
Additionally, opposition parties are demanding the replacement of incumbent Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a move requiring signatures from over 61 MKs. Sources close to Eisenkot indicated that a consensus candidate for the speakership will be finalized.
Coalition Talks and Internal Disputes
Coalition negotiations are being held at the Dan Hotel in Herzliya, where bloc leaders met for the first time since the elections. The gathering included Eisenkot, BeYachad leader Naftali Bennett, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, The Democrats leader Yair Golan, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.
Eisenkot's primary initiative involves securing coalition agreements with three bloc factions, committing that any potential minority government would be temporary to facilitate subsequent expansion. However, fierce resistance is anticipated from Yisrael Beytenu. Lieberman has repeatedly stated he will not sit with Arab parties, warning that a minority government would collapse quickly and ultimately empower Netanyahu.
