Israeli parliament convenes as rival bids to unseat Netanyahu

Israel's parliament is set to convene following recent elections that have intensified the political competition between the country's established leadership and opposition forces. The swearing-in of the new legislative body marks the beginning of intensive coalition negotiations that will determine the composition of the country's next government.

Eisenkot, who has emerged as Netanyahu's principal political rival, has secured the mandate to attempt government formation first. This procedural advantage gives him the opportunity to negotiate with various political parties and attempt to secure the majority support necessary to establish an alternative administration.

The coalition-building process is expected to be complex, involving negotiations between multiple political factions with competing interests and policy priorities. Success will require Eisenkot to forge agreements with sufficient parliamentary members to reach the 61-seat majority required to form a functioning government.

Netanyahu, who has led multiple previous governments, retains significant political support among certain constituencies and parties. The competing efforts to form government represent a critical juncture in Israeli politics, with implications for the country's domestic policy direction and international relations in the coming term.