Israel's 26th Knesset Sworn In as President Herzog Calls for Unity

All 120 members of Israel's 26th Knesset were sworn in Tuesday evening, marking the opening of the new parliament. President Isaac Herzog attended the ceremony and called on lawmakers to promote national unity, restore stability, and address the challenges facing Israeli society.

Opening his remarks, Herzog acknowledged the Knesset's oldest member, Haim Katz, its longest-serving member, Benjamin Netanyahu, and its youngest member, Yonatan Shalev. He then addressed the grief and loss experienced by Israelis since the October 7 massacre, paying particular tribute to lawmakers who had suffered personal losses or injuries yet chose to enter public service.

"Since the October 7 massacre, we have experienced tremendous upheaval. We have endured terrible lows and reached extraordinary heights," Herzog said. He praised the courage and sacrifice of Israelis who had given everything to protect their fellow citizens and allow them to live in safety.

Herzog urged lawmakers to honor those sacrifices by improving the country's day-to-day functioning, emphasizing that a nation's strength is measured not only by its response to extraordinary crises but also by its ability to provide stability and security in everyday life.

"We have seen what Israeli citizens are willing to do for their country. Now it is the responsibility of the members of this Knesset," he said. He called on lawmakers to transform the resilience and solidarity demonstrated during the war into lasting foundations for a strong, functioning society.

Herzog Urges Lawmakers to Avoid Another Election

Calling for political cooperation, Herzog urged members of the new Knesset to serve their full term and avoid another round of elections. "This Knesset must serve its full term, given the many challenges ahead. Nearly 80% of the public voted for you. You must do everything possible to avoid another election," he declared.

The president emphasized that Israelis are seeking stability, security, and a return to normal life after years of upheaval. He urged lawmakers to put aside political hostility and pursue dialogue, compromise, and cooperation, even with their political opponents.

"The people who elected you are longing for normalcy, security, and peace of mind," Herzog said, appealing to lawmakers to reach across political divides and work toward national unity. He stressed that a society marked by loss and sacrifice deserves leadership willing to listen, cooperate, and seek compromise.

Strengthening Regional Peace and International Alliances

Addressing Israel's diplomatic and security challenges, Herzog emphasized the importance of pursuing regional stability alongside the country's ongoing military efforts. "Alongside our determined struggle against those who seek to harm us, we must work toward a stable diplomatic future with our neighbors, including those closest to us," he said.

The president called for strengthening Israel's existing peace agreements with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, while working to establish additional diplomatic ties. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining Israel's close relationship with the United States, strengthening ties with other allies, defending Israel's international reputation, and firmly opposing diplomatic sanctions.

Concluding his address, Herzog called for an investigation into the October 7 massacre, a resolution to the longstanding dispute over military service exemptions for yeshiva students, and decisive action to combat violence across Israeli society.

Knesset Members Take Oath of Allegiance

Following the president's address, outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana took the oath of allegiance and began presiding over the session. Avi Harush, father of the late Sergeant Reef Harush, who was killed in combat in the southern Gaza Strip, recited Psalm 122. The Knesset secretary then administered the oath of allegiance to all 120 lawmakers.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, some Arab lawmakers left the chamber as Israel's national anthem began playing. Mansour Abbas and members of his Ra'am party, however, remained standing throughout the anthem.