Pres. Herzog to begin government formation talks as Israel's election produces no clear majority

President Isaac Herzog is expected to begin meeting with representatives of parties elected to Israel’s 26th Knesset as early as Wednesday, Nov. 4, to determine whom they recommend to lead efforts to form the next government.

The meetings could begin before the new parliament is sworn in, with no clear governing majority emerging from the election. Neither of Israel’s two main political blocs appears to have secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Herzog has urged party representatives to approach the consultations with an open mind, as the process could produce unexpected alliances.

Arab parties could potentially recommend Gadi Eisenkot as a candidate to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid increased Arab voter turnout driven in part by opposition to Netanyahu’s government.