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Herzog to hear Netanyahu and Eisenkot before naming government formateur
President Isaac Herzog is due to meet Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot before choosing which of them should first attempt to form Israel’s next government. Neither leader’s bloc won a majority in last month’s election, leaving Palestinian parties with significant influence over whether a coalition can be formed and raising the prospect of another election.
Netanyahu’s coalition fell from 68 seats to 53 in the 120-seat Knesset, while Eisenkot’s Change bloc won 48; Palestinian parties hold 19 seats. Turnout among Arab Israelis more than doubled to about 80%, while Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza could not vote. Ra’am says it would join an Eisenkot-led government, while the Joint List has indicated it may support an opposition from outside; Herzog has urged parties to help avoid another election.
In short
- Herzog will choose who gets the first chance to form a government.
- Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot’s bloc won a majority.
- Palestinian parties hold 19 seats and could shape coalition talks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Herzog should appoint the leader most likely to assemble a stable majority, giving the elected parties a chance to govern and avoiding the cost and uncertainty of another election. Hearing both candidates and considering whether Palestinian parties would support or join a coalition could help identify a viable government, while respecting voters who turned out in large numbers.
The case against
A formateur choice that depends on Palestinian parties’ support could give parties that did not win a clear governing mandate disproportionate influence over policy. Given the blocs’ failure to secure a majority, Herzog could instead judge that another election would provide a clearer mandate, even if it prolongs political uncertainty.
Elections Government Middle East Politics World
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Herzog to meet Israeli election rivals as decision nears on path to power”.