New Israeli PM Eisenkot Pledges to Undo Netanyahu's Policies Amid Parliamentary Swearing-In

{ "articleTitle": "Eisenkot Pledges to Reverse Netanyahu's Policies Amid Parliamentary Swearing-In", "articleDescription": "Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming Israel's next government, pledged on Tuesday to reverse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies as the new Knesset was sworn in. The former military chief has six weeks to build a coalition that would end Netanyahu's tenure.", "articleBody": "

Eisenkot Unveils Legislative Agenda to Overturn Previous Administration

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Gadi Eisenkot, the politician tasked with forming a new Israeli government, pledged on Tuesday to reverse many of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies as the new parliament was sworn in. The pledge sets the stage for a consequential month of legislative action and coalition negotiations.

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Eisenkot, a former military chief, has up to six weeks to form a government that would end the tenure of Israel's longest-serving prime minister. While it remains unclear whether Eisenkot will be able to forge a coalition government, the new Knesset can enact legislation in the meantime. Netanyahu's opponents now control a solid majority in parliament.

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Eisenkot's bloc introduced a series of bills at the start of the legislative session that target Netanyahu and his policies. They include launching an official government-led inquiry into the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, setting term limits on the position of prime minister, and overturning changes the outgoing Netanyahu-led government made to limit the powers of the judiciary.

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It was not immediately clear how quickly or far those bills would advance in the weeks ahead.

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Eisenkot Calls Netanyahu's Speech 'Divisive' After Clash Over Arab Parties

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The former general, who campaigned as a no-nonsense straight shooter, reiterated on Tuesday that his goal was a government that all Israelis could trust, not one that represents only certain factions.

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Eisenkot stated, \"We will act for all citizens of Israel, those who voted for us and those who did not, out of deep commitment,\" aiming for a government that all Israelis could trust.

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Eisenkot left open the possibility of partnering with Arab parties if they accept Israel's identity as a Jewish state and declare Hamas a terrorist group.

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Netanyahu has repeated unsubstantiated claims that Arab-led parties \"stole\" the elections and asserted in a speech following Tuesday's ceremony that Arab politicians cannot be trusted. Netanyahu asked, \"Are you prepared to be dependent on those whose goal is the destruction of the Jewish state?\"

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Eisenkot called Netanyahu's speech \"divisive\" and \"hate-filled,\" adding, \"I am now even more convinced that he is unfit to remain in office for even one more minute.\" Eisenkot canceled a meeting with Netanyahu's Likud party planned for Wednesday because of the speech.

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Transition Period Begins With Leadership Disputes

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The swearing-in ushered in a transitional period where Netanyahu and his Cabinet remain in power as caretakers while new lawmakers introduce legislation.

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A majority of members submitted signatures calling for the ousting of current Netanyahu-backed speaker Amir Ohana, with opposition nominating Matan Kahana for the job.

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If Eisenkot fails