Israeli President Isaac Herzog began meeting political parties following an inconclusive election
Israeli President Isaac Herzog began consultations with political parties on Wednesday to decide whom to task with forming a government, after neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor rival Gadi Eisenkot’s side won the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. Herzog warned leaders, “not every commitment and promise can be fulfilled” if they want to avoid another election.
More context
Israeli President Isaac Herzog began meeting political parties on Wednesday evening as he weighed which leader should get the first chance to form a government, following an Oct. 27 election in which neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor rival Gadi Eisenkot secured a parliamentary majority. The Straits Times reported that Netanyahu’s bloc led 53 seats to 48, while a majority required 61 seats. Herzog warned party leaders that “not every commitment and promise can be fulfilled” if they wanted to avoid another election. Le Monde reported that Herzog would hold two days of consultations, then give a contender 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Eisenkot and his allies have ruled out a unity government, Le Monde reported, although Herzog’s comments prompted speculation that he might sound out parties about one.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
Verifier’s note
BBC reports Herzog was to start consultations after neither bloc secured a majority, while The Straits Times and Le Monde report that consultations were beginning. All match the proposed event and its timing.