General view of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) in Jerusalem. [Photo/AA]
Israeli newspaper Maariv warned Sunday that right-wing activists could try to storm the Israeli Knesset on Tuesday to disrupt the swearing-in of newly elected lawmakers, drawing a parallel with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
The warning came as Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday and as Channel 12 reported that outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party was preparing to challenge the Oct. 27 election results in court.
According to Maariv, right-wing activists had discussed gathering outside parliament and blocking lawmakers from entering for the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. It also cited social media posts urging counterprotesters to turn up and confront them.
“The Capitol scenario is extremely worrying,” the newspaper said, urging police to prepare for the worst. It questioned whether Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, and its chief, David Zini, were in a position to protect the legislature.
On Jan. 6, 2021, supporters of then-US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress met to certify Joe Biden’s presidential election victory, forcing lawmakers to suspend the proceedings.
READ: Israeli president tasks Eisenkot with forming new government
Channel 12 said Likud was preparing to contest the election results in district court through attorney Ilan Bombach. The report said the challenge would draw on allegations about the use of apps to mobilize Arab citizens of Israel to vote.
Qatar and Arab parties in Israel have vehemently denied separate allegations from the Israeli right that Doha gave the parties money to mobilize voters.
Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while opposition parties secured 48 and Arab parties won 19.
During Herzog’s consultations, factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot for the mandate, 46 backed Netanyahu and seven declined to recommend anyone.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government. Herzog can grant him up to 14 additional days.
After receiving the mandate, Eisenkot invited Netanyahu’s Likud party and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party to join his government. He also left open the possibility of relying on support from Arab parties in the Knesset.
READ: Former Israeli premier urges Eisenkot to swiftly replace Netanyahu government
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