Israel Elections 2026: Herzog Begins Consultations Amid Hung Parliament

Yesterday 11:15

Israel is preparing for a new phase in its political process, with President Isaac Herzog scheduled to begin consultations with parliamentary representatives on Wednesday to determine the next steps towards forming a government.

The consultations represent a key constitutional stage in Israel’s government-formation procedure, allowing political parties elected to the Knesset to present their positions and indicate whom they support to lead the next administration.

A Hung Parliament Raises the Stakes

The October 27 parliamentary elections failed to produce a clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset, leaving the country facing potentially complicated coalition negotiations.

According to the reported results, the bloc supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 53 seats, while the opposition camp led by Gadi Eisenkot obtained 48. Arab parties won the remaining 19 seats, placing them in a potentially influential position in determining the composition of the next government.

A parliamentary majority requires at least 61 seats, meaning neither of the two main political camps can currently form a government independently.

Herzog Faces a Crucial Constitutional Responsibility

The consultations will take place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, following the formal presentation of the election results by Central Elections Committee Chairman and Supreme Court Judge Noam Sohlberg. The meetings are expected to be broadcast live.

During the discussions, representatives of the elected political parties will be invited to recommend the candidate they believe should receive the mandate to form the next government.

Herzog will then decide which member of the Knesset has the strongest prospects of securing sufficient parliamentary support. The decision does not automatically have to go to the leader of the party that obtained the largest number of seats.

The candidate selected will have 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, with the possibility of requesting an additional 14 days. If the first attempt fails, the mandate may be transferred to another candidate under the procedures established by Israeli law.

Political Leaders Urged to Avoid Another Election

Ahead of the consultations, Herzog has called on political leaders to approach negotiations with flexibility and an open mind, emphasizing the importance of avoiding another round of elections.

The president's appeal reflects concerns over the possibility of renewed political instability. Israel previously experienced a prolonged period of electoral deadlock between 2019 and 2021, when voters were called to the polls four times in less than two years.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office as caretaker prime minister until a new government is established.

The coming negotiations will therefore be decisive in determining whether Israel's political parties can overcome their differences and reach an agreement, or whether the country will face another electoral confrontation.