The first consultations between President Isaac Herzog and party representatives on whom they will recommend to form the next government began at the President’s Residence on Wednesday.
By law, the president is required to consult the Knesset factions before deciding who receives the task of forming a government. The first party to meet with Herzog is the far-right Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Religious Zionist Party recommends Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form next gov't
The Religious Zionist delegation, Minister for Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock, Itamar Eitam, and Zvika Mor, formally recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form Israel's next government.
Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, had already announced its intention to support Netanyahu ahead of the consultations.
Consultations delayed due to security incident
The consultations were delayed after a security screening machine at the President’s Residence triggered an alert while screening visitors.
Entry to the compound was temporarily halted pending clarification of the matter, a statement from the President’s Residence said.
"Police bomb disposal experts are on their way to the scene to inspect the equipment. The matter is being examined in coordination with the relevant authorities," the statement added.
Additionally, a small group of demonstrators protested outside the President's Residence just as the consultations were set to begin.
CEC approves election results given to Herzog
The CEC approved on Wednesday morning the election results given to Herzog at noon, after finding no evidence of compromised election integrity amid the ongoing Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) investigation into suspicions that foreign entities, such as Qatar and Turkey, allegedly funneled money into Israel to influence voting in Arab communities.
Herzog has invited faction representatives in ascending order of Knesset seats, beginning with the Religious Zionist Party, Shas, and Yisrael Beytenu, and Zehut.
The consultations will continue with other parties on Thursday into the evening.
Political deadlock could lead to another election
The political deadlock could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations. Other possible outcomes include a unity government between Netanyahu and members of Eisenkot’s bloc, or a minority government.
Along with the 48 seats won by the opposition bloc, the Arab parties' 19 recommendations would give Eisenkot 67 in total, prompting Herzog to potentially grant him the mandate over Netanyahu.
On Sunday, Herzog called on Israel's political leaders to accept the election results and demonstrate flexibility in coalition negotiations, warning against political entrenchment that could force the country into another election.