Israel's 26th Knesset has opened its first session with a swearing-in ceremony, as President Isaac Herzog urged lawmakers to avoid another election, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported.
Tuesday’s ceremony brought together 120 newly elected lawmakers as negotiations to form a new government continued.
"You must do everything to avoid repeat elections," Herzog told lawmakers.
"The people who elected you are yearning for normalcy, security and tranquillity," he added.
Herzog called on the new parliament to serve its full term and address the challenges facing the country.
"A country is not tested only in moments of heroism; it is tested no less in everyday life, in routine," he said.
He also urged lawmakers to cooperate and seek compromise, including with political opponents.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu renewed his call for a national unity government, citing what he described as threats from Iran. He said Iran had not abandoned its goal of destroying Israel and called for the overthrow of the "ayatollahs' regime".
Netanyahu also attacked the two Arab lists, claiming there was "no difference between the Joint List and the United Arab List" and alleging that "both want to destroy Israel".
‘Emergency government’
Meanwhile, Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot said he felt compelled to form an emergency government "as soon as possible", describing the period as perhaps "the most challenging" since Israel's establishment.
Eisenkot said he would work with his partners and reach out to other parties, adding that he had already invited some to join.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett pledged to help him form a government quickly, while Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman said avoiding another election would require flexibility and concessions.
The opening session came as the bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu submitted the signatures required to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana of Eisenkot's Yashar party.
Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday after 67 lawmakers recommended him, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Neither bloc secured a majority in the 120-seat Knesset in the October 27 elections.
