President Isaac Herzog called on Israel's political leaders to accept the election results and demonstrate flexibility in coalition negotiations on Sunday, warning against political entrenchment that could force the country into another election.
Speaking at the state memorial ceremony for Israel's first president, Chaim Weizmann, Herzog said he would receive the official election results on Wednesday from Central Elections Committee chairman and Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg.
"This coming Wednesday, I will receive the official election results from the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee and Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Justice Noam Sohlberg," Herzog said.
"I will then begin consultations at the President’s Residence. The doors of the President’s Residence will be wide open to all factions and parties."
The Joint List and Ra'am are expected to recommend Yashar chairperson Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister during consultations with Herzog, a senior Joint List official told Walla on Sunday.
Herzog called for cooperation and open minds
The president emphasized the importance of cooperation among party leaders, urging them to demonstrate a willingness to consider different proposals and reach agreements.
"I have already said that I hope the representatives will come with an open mind, and today I add: with an open heart. Come to listen and to be heard, to share ideas, and to find creative solutions to prevent another round of elections," he said.
"As we all know, during an election campaign, candidates naturally and predictably climb to lofty positions. But the elections are over. The election results are a fact. They are a reality. And now is the time to call on all our leaders to stop climbing and face this reality. This week at the President’s Residence, we will try to put up ladders so that our leaders can come down and face this reality in a measured and careful way.”