The 26th Knesset was sworn in at a festive ceremony amid political tension

In depth

The 26th Knesset was sworn in today at a festive ceremony, with 120 members of the Knesset declaring their allegiance in the presence of President Isaac Herzog. The ceremony was held two weeks after the elections, and the chamber filled with family members, new Knesset members and guests. At the swearing-in, the name plates of 47 new Knesset members were placed, and the red carpet was laid out.

President Herzog delivered remarks, addressing the Knesset members and calling on them to do everything to avoid a repeat election, to extend a hand toward compromise and to resolve the draft crisis. At the swearing-in ceremony, Knesset member Madan rose from his wheelchair and was sworn in, receiving applause from the plenum.

In parallel with the swearing-in, contacts on forming the government continued. Eisenkot pledged to form a national emergency government soon, and Bennett promised to assist him. The change bloc agreed that Matan Kahana would serve as Knesset speaker, Liberman as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and Ben Hurin as chairman of the Finance Committee. Ben-Gvir demanded a repeat election.