Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called on the nation’s political factions to approach government-formation talks with an open heart as he prepares to consult with party leaders following an inconclusive election result.
Last week’s parliamentary vote left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition bloc with 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while parties aligned with his primary challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, secured 48 seats. Neither major figure commands a clear path to a parliamentary majority, leaving the balance of power in the hands of parties representing Israel’s minority Arab community, which nearly doubled its representation to win 19 seats.
Ahead of Wednesday’s scheduled consultations at the president’s residence, Herzog urged politicians to accept the electoral outcome. In a statement released Sunday, he emphasized that campaign rhetoric must give way to post-election reality, noting that leaders need to listen, share ideas, and find creative solutions to prevent another round of elections.
Netanyahu, who will continue to serve as caretaker prime minister until a government is established, has maintained a hardline stance against partnering with Arab factions. On Sunday, he posted on social media that forming a government with Mansour Abbas, leader of the Arab-led Ra’am party, was forbidden, citing past policy platforms regarding a Palestinian state and Israeli settlements. Netanyahu also alleged without evidence that Arab parties used foreign backing to interfere with the election.
Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet confirmed it is investigating potential foreign interference, though it clarified that the probe is not intended to cast aspersions on any specific group. Arab party leaders have strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Eisenkot has signaled a more flexible approach, stating Saturday that his door is open to any public representative willing to endorse four foundational principles. Those conditions require recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, committing to the values of its independence, accepting mandatory military service for all citizens, and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Eisenkot’s anti-Netanyahu alliance encompasses a wide ideological spectrum, creating internal friction over potential cooperation with Arab lawmakers. Figures such as Yair Golan have voiced openness to deals with Arab parties, whereas right-wing politicians like Avigdor Lieberman remain firmly opposed.
External analysts remain divided on whether a coalition can materialize. Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, suggested that Eisenkot’s strict conditions demand that Arab parties compromise their core identity, making an opposition-led coalition unlikely and pointing toward continued deadlock. Conversely, Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, argued that pre-election pledges are frequently modified once voting concludes, suggesting that political pragmatism could still unlock a breakthrough.
