One day after the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset in Jerusalem, talks on forming a new Israeli government continue to be the focus of attention. A possible rapprochement is emerging between Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas and the political camp around Gadi Eisenkot. Abbas reportedly appears willing to explicitly recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
According to a report by the Israeli news portal Ynet on Tuesday, Abbas has in principle signaled his agreement to such a declaration to representatives of Eisenkot’s political camp. The condition, however, is that his party be regarded as a serious partner in the formation of a new government.
In recent days, intensive talks are said to have taken place between representatives of the so-called Change Bloc and the Ra’am party. A central role is being played by the Democrats under Yair Golan as well as representatives of Eisenkot’s Yashar party.
Golan confirmed on Tuesday that talks are being held with Ra’am. He expressed the view that recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization need not be an insurmountable obstacle for Abbas. In his opinion, a corresponding declaration could be reached in the course of negotiations.
An official statement from Abbas explicitly designating Hamas as a terrorist organization has not yet been made. However, the Ra’am chairman has repeatedly stated that his party supports the disarmament and removal of power of Hamas and condemns all forms of terrorism.
A key condition set by Eisenkot
The issue is of particular significance for the ongoing coalition negotiations. Eisenkot, who was tasked with forming a government by President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, has set out four basic conditions for potential coalition partners.
These include the recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal and equal state, a commitment to the values of the Declaration of Independence, and mandatory military, national or civilian service for all Israeli citizens. The fourth condition concerns the explicit recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization and support for its complete disarmament and removal of power in the Gaza Strip.
This last point in particular had previously made cooperation with Ra’am difficult.
At the consultations at the President’s residence last Thursday, Abbas was directly asked whether he considered Hamas a terrorist organization. He avoided giving a clear answer.
Instead, he stated that such a public statement could endanger him and his family. He said he wished to continue serving as a bridge between communities and to retain the ability to exert influence on the Palestinian side as well.
At the same time, Abbas emphasized that his party fundamentally rejects terrorism and violence against people. He also said he supports the disarmament of Hamas within the framework of the American peace plan.
New Knesset sworn in – government formation still unresolved
On Tuesday, the 120 members of the 26th Knesset were sworn in in Jerusalem. President Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana attended the ceremonial opening of the new parliament.
The swearing-in marks the beginning of the new legislative term, but does not yet signify a change of government. Eisenkot continues to hold talks on forming a coalition.
Netanyahu’s camp holds 53 seats, while the four parties of the Change Bloc together hold 48 seats. The Arab parties Ra’am and the Joint List jointly hold 19 seats.
In the presidential consultations, Eisenkot received a total of 67 recommendations, significantly more than Netanyahu. However, this majority does not automatically mean he will be able to form a government. Cooperation with Arab parties in particular remains controversial within his political camp.
According to reports so far, Eisenkot favors a broad government, ideally with the participation of ultra-Orthodox parties. However, cooperation with Ra’am remains a possible alternative should other coalition models fail.
An explicit recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization by Abbas could remove one of the most significant obstacles to such cooperation.
Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas (left, background) during the opening of the 26th Knesset in Jerusalem on November 10, 2026. Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.
Netanyahu’s inner circle also said to have maintained contacts
Meanwhile, another report is drawing political attention. According to the Israeli television channel Channel 12, Natan Eshel, a long-standing confidant of Netanyahu, is said to have made contact with Abbas both before and after the election.
The goal of these talks was reportedly to dissuade Abbas from supporting a government led by Eisenkot.
The Likud stated in response that it was unaware of these contacts and that they had not taken place on behalf of the Prime Minister. The party rejects any cooperation with parties that support terrorism.
Netanyahu himself had repeatedly warned against a government that would depend on the support of Arab parties. He described such a constellation as a government dependent on supporters of Hamas.
The reports of contacts from within his own political circle with Abbas lend additional controversy to this dispute.
With the swearing-in of the new Knesset, the next legislative term has officially begun. The question of who will govern Israel going forward, however, remains open. Whether the talks between Ra’am and the Change Bloc will actually lead to a political agreement depends, among other things, on whether Abbas is prepared to explicitly recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
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