Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called on political leaders to set aside divisive campaign rhetoric as negotiations to form a government begin this week. The call comes after last Tuesday's election produced no clear winner, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition and a band of challengers led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot without enough support to form a majority government, with Arab-Israeli parties holding the balance of power.
The Joint List and the United Arab List won 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset, giving them a decisive role. Netanyahu has insisted it is "forbidden" for Jewish-majority parties to cooperate with the two groups, accusing them of "stealing" the election and supporting policies that would undermine the state. Shin Bet has been asked to investigate allegations of foreign funds flowing into Arab-Israeli communities before polling day, reportedly from Qatar. Police are also investigating allegations of misconduct ahead of and on election day.
Herzog, who will receive the official results on Wednesday, urged leaders to come with an open mind. "The elections are over. The election results are a fact. They are a reality," he said in Jerusalem. "Now is the time to tell all the leaders to stop climbing and face this reality." He said he would speak to all factions and parties and that he would try to help them "position themselves against this reality".
Some commentators have viewed Eisenkot's latest statement as a sign he is softening on the issue. Eisenkot said a majority of Israelis had voted "for change" and that he would only enter into partnership with other politicians if they committed to recognise Israel as a Jewish state and recognised Hamas as a terrorist organisation. The left-wing Democrats, led by Yair Golan, have been actively discussing the prospect of a partnership with the Arab-Israeli lists. The two Arab-led groups could support a government from outside the coalition by agreeing not to block its agenda.
Thousands of Israelis protested over the weekend calling for a Jewish-Arab unity government. Reports have emerged that anti-Netanyahu parties are considering banding together in the Knesset to pass legislation to effectively take control of parliament by replacing its speaker, a move that could occur while Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister. Golan warned that Netanyahu might try to escalate the conflict with Iran during negotiations to hold onto power. "Israel's security must not be allowed to become a tool in Netanyahu's political survival struggle," he said. If no coalition can be formed, Israel could face another election.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The outcome of coalition talks will determine whether Israel can avoid another election after a prolonged period of political instability.
- The unprecedented influence of Arab-Israeli parties could reshape the country's political landscape and the debate over its Jewish and democratic identity.
- The deadlock comes at a tense time, with potential implications for Israel's military posture toward Iran and its relationship with the United States.
Background
Last Tuesday's election left the 120-seat Knesset with no clear majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot both fell short, giving Arab-Israeli parties a record 19 seats and a pivotal role. The campaign was marked by deep divisions over security and the place of Arab-Israeli citizens in government.
Key Perspectives
Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud): insists it is "forbidden" for Jewish-majority parties to cooperate with Arab-Israeli parties, accusing them of "stealing" the election and undermining the state.
Gadi Eisenkot (Yashar): open to a partnership with Arab-Israeli parties on condition they recognise Israel as a Jewish state and recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Yair Golan (Democrats): actively discussing a partnership with the Joint List and United Arab List, and warns Netanyahu may escalate the Iran conflict to cling to power.
Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beiteinu): opposes working with Arab-Israeli parties.
What to Watch
- Whether the anti-Netanyahu bloc will attempt to replace the Knesset speaker to take control of parliament.
- The outcome of Shin Bet's investigation into foreign funding and any impact on coalition talks.
- The potential for an escalation with Iran during the negotiation period, as warned by Golan.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
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- SupportedHerzog called for calm as talks on forming Israel’s next government approach.Just In: “Israeli President Isaac Herzog calls for calm ahead of election mediations.”
- SupportedArab-Israeli parties hold a key to forming the next government after an inconclusive election.Just In: “It means the two groups effectively hold the keys to the next government”
- SupportedLast Tuesday’s election left neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the challengers led by Eisenkot with enough support to form a majority government.Just In: “Last Tuesday's poll was inconclusive , with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current coalition or the band of challengers, led by former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot, securing enough support to form a majority government.”
- SupportedThe Joint List and United Arab List won 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset.Just In: “the Joint List and the United Arab List taking 19 seats in the 120 Israeli Knesset.”
- SupportedNetanyahu said it was “forbidden” for Jewish-majority parties to cooperate with the two groups and accused them of “stealing” the election.Just In: “Mr Netanyahu has insisted it is "forbidden" for the Jewish-majority parties to cooperate with the two groups. It is a familiar campaign trope from the prime minister, who has accused the Joint List and the United Arab List of "stealing" the election”
- SupportedShin Bet was asked to investigate allegations of foreign funds flowing into Arab-Israeli communities, reportedly from Qatar, and police were investigating alleged election misconduct.Just In: “The country's intelligence agency Shin Bet has been asked to investigate allegations of foreign funds flowing into Arab-Israeli communities prior to polling day, reportedly from Qatar. Israel Police is also investigating allegations of misconduct ahead of the ballot and on election day itself.”
- SupportedHerzog was to receive the official results on Wednesday and begin talks with party leaders.Just In: “The official results of the vote will be presented to Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, which will prompt him to begin talks with the party leaders on who can form government.”
- SupportedHerzog said, “The elections are over. The election results are a fact. They are a reality,” and urged leaders to face that reality.Just In: “"But the elections are over. The election results are a fact. They are a reality. And now is the time to tell all the leaders to stop climbing and face this reality."”
- SupportedHerzog said leaders should “position themselves against this reality”.Just In: “"This week at the President's Residence, we will try to put up ladders so that leaders can position themselves against this reality in a measured and careful way."”
- SupportedEisenkot said a majority of Israelis voted “for change”.Just In: “"However you look at the numbers, a majority of Israelis, by a margin of more than half a million votes, voted against the government of October 7 and draft evasion, and for change," he said.”
- SupportedEisenkot said he would only partner with politicians who recognised Israel as a Jewish state and Hamas as a terrorist organisation.Just In: “But he insisted he would only enter into partnership with other politicians if they committed to recognise Israel as a Jewish state and recognised Hamas as a terrorist organisation.”
- SupportedGolan warned Netanyahu might inflame the war with Iran during negotiations to cling to power, saying Israel’s security must not become a tool in Netanyahu’s political survival struggle.Just In: “Mr Golan has also warned Mr Netanyahu may try to inflame the war with Iran during the period of negotiations, in a bid to cling to power. "Israel's security must not be allowed to become a tool in Netanyahu's political survival struggle," he posted on social media.”