Israel's President Isaac Herzog has begun consultations with political parties to form a new coalition government after the recent election ended in a deadlock.
What happened
President Herzog received the official election results and warned party leaders that not all commitments and promises can be fulfilled to avoid another election. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor his rival Gadi Eisenkot secured a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
The election results showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and its allies winning 53 seats, while Eisenkot's centrist Yashar party and its allies won 48 seats. Two Arab-led alliances won an unprecedented 19 seats, making them potential kingmakers. However, most Jewish parties had pledged not to work with them to form a government.
Herzog has wide discretion to choose a Knesset member to form a government, and the consultation process began on Wednesday evening. He expressed confidence in the Shin Bet's ability to investigate allegations of foreign interference in the election and appealed for patience.
The Shin Bet is investigating claims of foreign funding aimed at increasing voter turnout in Arab communities, with Qatar denying allegations of providing such funding. The president condemned racist expressions and warned against smearing Arab Israelis, who make up about one-fifth of the population.
