Israel election: When will government be formed, who will lead it?

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   President Herzog Begins Government Consultations Following Inconclusive Election

   President Isaac Herzog has formally accepted certified election results and started consultations to form a new government. No clear winner emerged from the legislative elections, leaving Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot competing for coalition support. Herzog must select a candidate to lead the government by November 11. To avoid another election, the president urged parties to negotiate with an "open heart" and compromise. In a departure from standard procedure, Herzog is beginning these talks by consulting with the smallest parties in the Knesset.

   Why it matters

   The election has left Israel without a majority government, necessitating a coalition. This political deadlock occurs amid claims of fraud and warnings from opposition leaders regarding international sanctions.

   What is confirmed

   • President Isaac Herzog has formally accepted the certified election results.
   • No clear winner emerged from the legislative elections.
   • President Herzog must name a candidate to form a government by November 11.
   • Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot are both seeking support to form a coalition.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu claims the election was stolen.
   • The Joint List and Ra'am will back Gadi Eisenkot for premiership.
   • Opposition leader Golan warns that Netanyahu's continued tenure could lead to international sanctions.

   What to watch next

   • The appointment of a prime ministerial candidate by November 11
   • The outcome of consultations with smaller Knesset parties
   • The formation of a majority coalition agreement
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. AP News — Israel’s election results are in. Here’s what could happen next
   2. The Atlantic — Tel Aviv’s Last Stand
   3. The New York Times — Netanyahu’s Bid to Stay in Power Will Test His Political Savvy
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Joint List, Ra'am to back Gadi Eisenkot for premiership as Isaac Herzog opens negotiations
   5. Al Jazeera — Israel election: When will government be formed, who will lead it?
   6. NBC News — Israel’s president says parties need to engage with ‘open heart’ to avoid fresh election
   7. Fox News — Trump, Rubio say more Iran strikes are still on the table, but not likely before midterms
   8. The New York Times — Israel Turns to Next Big Question: Who Gets a Shot at Being Prime Minister?
   9. The Jerusalem Post — Israel’s next government needs a shared goal, not just a rejection of Benjamin Netanyahu
   10. Yahoo — Israeli president to consult smaller parties over government formation
   11. The Jerusalem Post — In unusual move, Herzog to begin coalition consultations with smallest Knesset parties
   12. stluciachronicle.com — Israeli officials say results stand as Netanyahu claims election ‘stolen’ - St. Lucia Chronicle – Daily St Lucia News
   confidence 90%