Herzog starts coalition talks after Israeli election ends without majority
The president must appoint a government builder within 28 days, even as security services investigate foreign funding and political blocs trade accusations.
By Daniela Ortega ·
Nineteen seats. That is the number of parliamentary mandates won by two Arab-led alliances in the recent Israeli general election, a figure that places them in a unique position to determine the country's next government. No candidate secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
President Isaac Herzog began formal consultations with party leaders on Wednesday evening. He stated that avoiding a repeat election would require compromises, noting that not every campaign promise could be kept. The president holds broad discretion in choosing who to task with forming a coalition, a role that is largely ceremonial but decisive in this instance.
The election results, certified last week, show a fragmented parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, comprising Likud and its far-right and ultra-Orthodox allies, holds 53 seats. The centrist bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, including his Yashar party and three other opposition parties, holds 48 seats. The remaining 19 seats are split between the United Arab List and the Joint List.
The certification process was marked by disputes over legitimacy. Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg presented the official results to Herzog in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Sohlberg stated that there was no evidence of irregularities that would justify delaying the certification of the vote.
He noted that the Shin Bet security service is investigating claims of foreign interference. Intelligence suggests a widespread phenomenon of substantial funds entering Israel from foreign states, some of which are described as hostile. Sohlberg said the committee needs to connect the dots to determine the scale of this activity with high certainty.
Israeli media reported that the committee reviewed a claim that Qatar provided funding to increase voter turnout in Arab communities. The Qatari foreign ministry categorically denied the allegation. Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly asked the Attorney General to interrogate four Arab politicians. Gali Baharav-Miara, the Attorney General, rejected this demand, citing a lack of presented evidence of wrongdoing.
Political reactions have been sharp. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the arrest of all Arab party leaders. Yousef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, accused Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir of attempting to steal the election. Eisenkot described the actions of Netanyahu's camp as a pogrom against democracy.
Herzog warned against smearing Arab Israelis, who make up about one-fifth of the population. He expressed confidence in the Shin Bet's investigation but appealed for patience. The appointed government builder will have 28 days to form a coalition, with the option for a 14-day extension.
