Israel Election: No Clear Mandate Projected, So What Comes Next?

Herzog’s role after counting

After the final tally is available on November 4, President Isaac Herzog will meet party leaders to hear whom they support for prime minister. He will then select the candidate he considers most likely to assemble a government.

Netanyahu and Eisenkot, whose parties are the strongest, are seen as the leading candidates. The person chosen has 28 days to form a government, and Herzog may grant an additional 14 days.

Coalition paths and possible delay

A government normally needs support from at least 61 Knesset members. A candidate who falls short could seek backing from smaller parties for a minority government or pursue an arrangement in which prime ministers alternate.

If the first nominee fails, Herzog may give another Knesset member 28 days to try. Should that effort also fall short, a majority of Knesset members can name a third candidate, who would have 14 days.

If no government is formed, new elections must be called within 90 days. Netanyahu’s government would stay on in a caretaker role in the meantime.

Arab-led parties face rejection

Although the Arab-led parties could hold the balance, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have rejected partnering with them, pointing to a lack of shared values. That stance could complicate efforts to assemble a governing majority. The article quotes an unnamed speaker warning that, unless the parties abandon what he called a “racist elections promise,” another election in the coming months is the most likely outcome.