President Isaac Herzog officially initiated the process of forming a new government on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after accepting the certified results of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary elections. This action formally rejected claims of voter fraud raised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political allies.
Election Results Validated
The Central Elections Committee presented the final results to the President after rejecting claims of foreign interference or voter fraud, according to The Irish Times. The committee is led by Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg.
The committee found no evidence of irregularities that compromised the integrity of the election or affected its results
and declared the outcome binding. Justice Sohlberg stated that localized suspicions under investigation do not justify delaying the certification of the results.
The committee noted that even if claims regarding foreign actors were substantiated, they did not affect the final seat counts. Justice Sohlberg said, We must respect the rules of the democratic game, recognize the voters' decision and act accordingly.
Tensions rose following reports that Shin Bet chief David Zini sought to classify the probe as a security file. This classification would have permitted harsher interrogation conditions, including the denial of legal counsel for involved politicians.
Coalition Math Uncertain
Certified results show that neither the religious-nationalist bloc led by Netanyahu nor the opposition bloc headed by Gadi Eisenkot secured the 61-seat majority. Netanyahu’s coalition fell from 64 seats in 2022 to 53, while 67 seats went to parties that ran against him.
This total represents an increase from the 10 seats the two parties held in the outgoing Knesset. Channel 12 estimated Arab turnout at approximately 80 percent, up from 45 percent in 2021 and roughly half in 2022.
This surge has made Arab-led factions an unavoidable reality for any candidate attempting to secure a governing majority.
Presidential Consultations Begin
President Herzog began meeting with party leaders on Wednesday night to determine which lawmaker is best positioned to form a stable government. Herzog is tasked by law with selecting a candidate he believes has the best chance of forming a coalition.
He is not required to simply choose the leader of the party with the most seats. Yashar, the Democrats, B’Yachad and Ra’am have said they will back Eisenkot, while Otzma Yehudit and Likud have said they will recommend Netanyahu.
The President addressed the representatives regarding the need for compromise. In the current reality, in which there is no clear winner after the elections, I ask for originality and creativity, courage and goodwill, so that the State of Israel emerges the winner,
Herzog said. He added, I condemn the coarseness and racist expressions that we have heard recently.
Consultations are scheduled to continue through Thursday, November 5, 2026. If the designated lawmaker fails to reach an agreement, the country faces the possibility of a new election early next year.
Earlier coverage: Netanyahu faces coalition struggle as Herzog begins talks
