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Eisenkot pledges swift legislative reforms before government formation in Israel
Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc is moving to use its parliamentary position to advance reforms before a new Israeli government is formed. Its priorities include an inquiry into the security failures of 7 October 2023 and changes to laws affecting the judiciary, police and media, making the early Knesset manoeuvring consequential for accountability and the balance of power.
The election left Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc with 53 seats and Eisenkot’s coalition with 48, while Arab parties hold 19 seats and have backed Eisenkot’s candidate for Knesset speaker, Matan Kahana, ahead of a vote scheduled for 17 November. Eisenkot has up to 42 days from his appointment to form a majority; coalition talks include possible compromises over exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox students. A proposed limit on prime ministerial terms would apply only to future elections.
In short
- Eisenkot’s bloc plans early legislative changes.
- It wants an inquiry into the 7 October 2023 failures.
- Coalition talks continue after an inconclusive election.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that acting before a government is formed creates a rare opening to investigate the 7 October security failures and strengthen checks on executive power. Early changes to laws governing the judiciary, police and media could protect institutional independence, while a future-only term limit would avoid disqualifying current political choices.
The case against
Critics could argue that major institutional reforms pushed through during a period of coalition uncertainty risk lacking a clear electoral mandate and broad public scrutiny. Changes to the judiciary, police and media could weaken checks on government or compromise their independence, and an inquiry’s credibility may depend on its design and impartiality rather than speed.
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