Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has mandate to try to form a government – with Netanyahu waiting if he fails

Opposition lawmakers have wasted no time after Israel’s new Knesset was sworn in, deploying their majority to seize control of the legislature from Benjamin Netanyhau and his allies.

Although they are still too divided to form a government, the opposition requested a vote for a new speaker, who sets the Knesset’s agenda. Once Netanyahu loyalist Amir Ohana has been replaced, the six opposition parties will be able to work on key legislation even if they broker a coalition.