Herzog to meet Israeli election rivals as decision nears on path to power

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to hold critical meetings with Benjamin Netanyahu and his primary political rival, Gadi Eisenkot, this Thursday. With less than a week remaining before he must designate a candidate to attempt the formation of a new government, the president is navigating a complex political landscape defined by the recent, deeply contested election. As the Herzog Israeli president role involves selecting the candidate with the best chance of building a stable coalition, these discussions are pivotal to the nation's future.

Last month's election resulted in no clear path to power for either major bloc. Netanyahu’s coalition saw its seat count in the 120-member Knesset drop from 68 to 53. Meanwhile, the Change bloc led by Eisenkot, a former military general and chief of staff, holds 48 seats. This leaves the parties representing Israeli Palestinians, which secured a record 19 seats, as potential kingmakers. The Joint List holds 11 seats, while the Islamist Ra’am party holds eight.

President Herzog is urging all political parties to cooperate to avoid another round of national elections.

Turnout among Arab Israelis, who make up 20% of the population, surged to approximately 80%, fundamentally altering the electoral outcome. While the Joint List has expressed willingness to support an opposition from the outside, Ra’am has indicated it would join a government led by Eisenkot. However, Eisenkot has placed strict conditions on such a partnership, requiring parties to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, accept national service, and denounce Hamas.

Netanyahu, who leads a caretaker government, has faced criticism for questioning the integrity of the election results, citing potential tampering. However, the Central Election Committee, led by Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, confirmed the election's integrity remained intact. Sohlberg emphasized that maintaining public trust and the peaceful transfer of power are foundational to democracy.

Why it matters

The ongoing political deadlock leaves Israel in a state of uncertainty, with the country currently governed by a caretaker administration. The outcome of President Herzog's decision will determine whether a stable coalition can be formed or if the nation will be forced into another round of elections, impacting both domestic policy and regional security.