President Herzog ahead of consultations: ‘We must do everything possible to avoid another election’

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday called on the parties to come to consultations on forming a government “with an open mind,” stressing that another round of elections must be avoided.

“We need to understand one thing, and I said this even before the election – we must do everything possible, certainly after yesterday, to avoid going back to another election,” Herzog said during a meeting with the “Mahalifim Mila” initiative at the President’s Residence. “I expect everyone who comes here to come with an open mind.”

Herzog noted that he will receive the official results next week from Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg, after which he will begin the consultation process.

“I will hear each and every faction, we will ask questions and hold discussions,” he said.

At the beginning of his remarks, the president described Election Day as “very impressive,” noting that for the first time in decades there had been an “enormous voter turnout.”

“This is a badge of honor for Israeli society,” Herzog said. “It shows how significant the desire for democracy is in Israel.”