Israel Elections: No Fraud Found; Netanyahu and Eisenkot begin coalition talks – government formation process, timeline explained | Today’s news
Israel is set to enter weeks of political negotiations after the country’s election commission confirmed the results of last week’s parliamentary vote, confirming that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist bloc nor the alliance led by his main challenger, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, secured the majority needed to form a government.
President Isaac Herzog accepted the verified results on Wednesday and is preparing to start consultations with representatives of parties elected to parliament. The consultation will determine which political leader is best placed to form a coalition government.
The process could involve difficult negotiations with smaller parties, possible cross-bloc alliances and, if no candidate succeeds, another election early next year.
Here’s what happens next and a timeline for the formation of Israel’s next government.
1. President Isaac Herzog opens consultations with the parties
After the election results are confirmed, President Isaac Herzog will begin meeting with representatives of all parties elected to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
The consultation is expected to last two days, during which party representatives will say who they support as the candidate best placed to form the next government.
Herzog will consider these recommendations before deciding which political leader should be given the mandate to form a governing coalition.
The two main candidates are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, although the final decision will depend on political consultations and the support each candidate can demonstrate.
2. Herzog appoints a candidate to form a government
After the consultations are complete, Herzog will formally appoint the candidate he believes has the best chance of securing a parliamentary majority to form a government.
The nominee will then have to negotiate with other political parties to put together a coalition capable of gaining support in the Knesset.
By appointment, the candidate does not automatically become Prime Minister. First, he must secure agreements with enough parties to form a governing majority.
3. Coalition negotiations begin
With none of the main political blocs winning an absolute majority, smaller parties are expected to play a crucial role in determining the next government.
Netanyahu and Eisenkot will have to convince potential coalition partners to join their alliances.
The talks could include discussions on ministerial positions, policy priorities and the terms of a joint management programme.
Two possible political arrangements emerged:
– Coalition led by Netanyahu: The incumbent prime minister could try to bring smaller parties into his religious-nationalist bloc to secure the numbers needed to govern.
– Coalition led by Eisenkot: The opposition leader could gain support from smaller parties, possibly including some Arab-led political groups, to form an alternative parliamentary majority.
An alliance between the two opposing camps could also emerge as another option if neither side can secure sufficient support on its own.
4. What if neither leader can form a government?
If the candidate appointed by Herzog does not form a coalition within the specified period, the mandate may be transferred to another MP who has a better chance of forming a government.
If subsequent efforts fail to form a viable coalition, Israel could face another election.
According to the reported timeline, failure to resolve the political stalemate could return the country to elections early next year.
5. Timeline: What will happen in the coming days and weeks?
Presidential consultations: Herzog meets with representatives of parties elected to parliament over two days
Candidate selection: After consultation, Herzog selects the leader best positioned to form a coalition
Coalition negotiations: Once nominated, the designated candidate seeks support from smaller parties and potential allies
Government formation: A coalition will be formed and presented to parliament in the coming weeks
Possible new elections: If efforts to form a government fail, another election could be called early next year
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6. Allegations of election fraud dealt a blow to Netanyahu
The political negotiations come after Israel’s election commission said its review found no evidence of fraud or irregularities that could jeopardize the integrity of last week’s vote.
The finding dealt a blow to Netanyahu and his supporters, who have repeatedly claimed, without substantiating their claims, that Arab-led parties rigged the election with possible foreign help.
The commission said its investigation looked at each complaint individually and found no evidence the results were invalid.
However, a separate Shin Bet investigation into allegations of foreign interference is still ongoing.
The commission insists that even if suspicion of foreign interference is justified, it does not necessarily undermine the integrity of the election or change its overall results.
Immediate attention now shifts to Herzog’s consultations and coalition arithmetic. With neither major bloc holding a clear parliamentary majority, the willingness of smaller parties to join forces could decide whether Netanyahu retains power, Eisenkot forms an alternative government or Israel heads to the next election.
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