Israel’s New Knesset Faces Crucial Political Battle as Yair Golan Calls for Change
Israel is preparing for a significant political transition as its newly elected 26th Knesset gets ready for its inaugural sitting on November 10, 2026. Ahead of the ceremony, Israeli Democrats leader Yair Golan has described the upcoming parliamentary term as another major battle for the country's future, expressing confidence in his party's newly elected representatives and their commitment to democratic reforms.
Golan's remarks come at a critical moment for Israeli politics. The recent election has produced a divided parliament, leaving political parties negotiating alliances and searching for a workable coalition government. With neither major political bloc securing an outright majority, the coming weeks could determine the country's political direction.
Yair Golan Praises His Party's New Team
In a statement ahead of the Knesset's opening session, Golan expressed pride in the representatives elected from his Israeli Democrats party. He described them as individuals with strong principles, courage and the determination to bring political change.
Among the newly elected lawmakers he highlighted were Yael Pinch and Omri Ronen, both known for their involvement in protest movements. Their entry into parliament represents a transition from public activism to formal political participation.
Golan said their commitment to democracy and Israel's national security would be important as they take on their responsibilities as lawmakers.
He also welcomed the return of experienced parliamentarians Gaby Lasky and Michal Rozin. Both have previously served in the Knesset and are known for their involvement in social and political issues.
Their return is expected to add parliamentary experience to the party's team, particularly in debates concerning equality, civil rights and democratic institutions.
Lawmakers Who Opposed Judicial Changes
Golan also praised three other lawmakers: Naama Lazimi, Gilad Kariv and Efrat Rayten.
He recognised their parliamentary work and their opposition to the controversial judicial overhaul pursued in Israel in recent years.
The judicial reform debate has been one of the country's most significant political controversies. Proposed changes to the judicial system triggered large demonstrations and widespread disagreements over the balance of power between the government, parliament and judiciary.
Critics argued that the proposed changes could weaken judicial independence and reduce institutional checks on political power. Supporters, meanwhile, maintained that reforms were necessary to address what they viewed as excessive judicial authority.
Golan's comments indicate that these questions will remain central to his party's parliamentary priorities.
New Knesset to Begin Its Work on November 10
Israel's new parliament is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, November 10, for its inaugural sitting. The 120 elected lawmakers will take their oaths in the presence of President Isaac Herzog.
The opening session will also involve the election of a parliamentary speaker, an important position responsible for managing legislative proceedings and parliamentary business.
The new Knesset follows the October 2026 election, which resulted in a fragmented political landscape.
According to the final election results published by Israel's Central Elections Committee, the Likud party secured 27 seats, while Yashar won 21. Be'Yahad obtained 12 seats, and the Joint List secured 11.
The Israeli Democrats won eight seats, matching the United Arab List's total. Yisrael Beiteinu, Otzma Yehudit and United Torah Judaism each secured seven seats, while Shas and Religious Zionism won six seats apiece.
No political group has independently reached the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member parliament.
This means coalition negotiations will play a decisive role in determining the next government.
Gadi Eisenkot Receives Opportunity to Form Government
Another important development is the decision by President Isaac Herzog to give Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form Israel's next government.
Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 lawmakers during consultations with political parties. His support included representatives from Yashar, Be'Yahad, the Israeli Democrats, Yisrael Beiteinu and Arab-led parties.
He has 28 days to assemble a governing coalition. If necessary, the president can grant an additional extension of up to 14 days.
However, securing recommendations from lawmakers does not automatically guarantee that Eisenkot can form a stable government. He must negotiate agreements with potential partners and secure sufficient parliamentary support.
The political challenge is particularly complicated because the different parties supporting his candidacy do not necessarily share identical positions on every major policy issue.
Opposition Parties Seek a Different Political Direction
The political developments have also strengthened cooperation among opposition leaders seeking an alternative to Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Golan and Avigdor Lieberman have discussed coordinating their parliamentary strategy and beginning coalition negotiations.
Their immediate priorities include establishing a new parliamentary leadership and pursuing changes to the country's political and institutional direction.
However, disagreements over the role of Arab-led parties and other coalition conditions could complicate their efforts.
The opposition's ability to maintain unity during negotiations will therefore be an important factor in determining whether a change of government becomes possible.
What This Means for Israel's Political Future
The new Knesset's opening comes at a time when Israel faces several interconnected challenges, including national security concerns, internal political divisions and disagreements over democratic institutions.
The next government will have to address these issues while maintaining sufficient support within parliament.
For the Israeli Democrats, the new parliamentary term offers an opportunity to turn their political positions and public activism into legislative initiatives. Golan's emphasis on democracy, equality and national security suggests that his party intends to play an active role in debates over the country's future.
At the same time, the success of the emerging political alliance will depend less on public statements and more on its ability to reach practical agreements.
Israel's November 10 parliamentary opening is therefore more than a formal swearing-in ceremony. It marks the beginning of a potentially decisive period of coalition negotiations, legislative competition and political realignment.
Whether Eisenkot can form a government and whether the opposition can maintain its unity remain the biggest questions facing Israeli politics. As Golan indicated in his message, the next political battle will take place inside the Knesset, where the country's future direction will be debated and contested.
