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In unusual move, Herzog to begin coalition consultations with smallest Knesset parties

President Isaac Herzog began coalition consultations on Wednesday, November 4, using an unusual ascending order that prioritizes the smallest Knesset parties. The process started at 5 p.m. with Religious Zionism-Zehut and is scheduled to conclude with Likud at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5. Herzog is urging party leaders to engage with an "open heart" and set aside campaign rhetoric to avoid another round of elections. Once consultations are complete, the president will announce which Knesset member receives the mandate to form the next government.

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  • ✓ President Isaac Herzog began coalition consultations on Wednesday, November 4, at 5 p.m.
  • ✓ Consultations start with the smallest parties and end with Likud at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5.
  • ✓ The first meeting was scheduled with Religious Zionism-Zehut.
  • ✓ The President's Office stated the unusual order is intended to encourage thinking outside the box.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 13 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

President Herzog announced he will meet with Knesset factions in ascending order of size rather than starting with the largest parties.

Live updates

  1. President Herzog Reverses Consultation Order for Government Formation

    President Isaac Herzog began coalition consultations on Wednesday, November 4, using an unusual ascending order that prioritizes the smallest Knesset parties. The process started at 5 p.m. with Religious Zionism-Zehut and is scheduled to conclude with Likud at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5. Herzog is urging party leaders to engage with an "open heart" and set aside campaign rhetoric to avoid another round of elections. Once consultations are complete, the president will announce which Knesset member receives the mandate to form the next government.

    Why it matters

    Israel is currently facing a political deadlock following elections for the 26th Knesset. The president's decision to deviate from traditional protocol aims to encourage thinking outside the box regarding potential coalition arrangements. This shift allows the president to explore a wider range of options before meeting with the largest factions.

    What is confirmed

    • President Isaac Herzog began coalition consultations on Wednesday, November 4, at 5 p.m.
    • Consultations start with the smallest parties and end with Likud at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5.
    • The first meeting was scheduled with Religious Zionism-Zehut.
    • The President's Office stated the unusual order is intended to encourage thinking outside the box.
    • Herzog will announce which Knesset member receives the mandate to form a government after consultations conclude.

    What to watch next

    • The announcement of the Knesset member tasked with forming the government
    • The results of the final consultation with Likud on November 5
    Sources used for this update (15)
    1. www.jpost.com — The Jerusalem Post - All News from the Middle East, Israel, and...
    2. www.ynetnews.com — Great Britain
    3. www.theyeshivaworld.com — RUSSIAN ARMS: Ethiopia Announces Delivery Of 12 Su-35 Fighters, Plans S-400 Acquisition
    4. NBC News — Israel’s president says parties need to engage with ‘open heart’ to avoid fresh election
    5. The New York Times — Israel Turns to Next Big Question: Who Gets a Shot at Being Prime Minister?
    6. The Jerusalem Post — In unusual move, Herzog to begin coalition consultations with smallest Knesset parties
    7. Jewish Insider — Arab parties still don’t meet Eisenkot’s coalition conditions
    8. The Washington Post — Rigged! Candidates worldwide follow Trump in alleging election fraud.
    9. www.jpost.com — In unusual move, Herzog to begin coalition consultations with ...
    10. www.theyeshivaworld.com — UNUSUAL MOVE: Herzog To Begin Coalition Consultations With ...
    11. israelmyglory.org — News Digest — 11/3/26 – Israel My Glory
    12. www.jns.org — Who will form government? Herzog meeting Knesset factions on ...
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