MignewsPolitics20:05

Israeli President Herzog Begins Consultations to Form New Government

By Александр Бавира

Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog began consultations with Knesset factions on Wednesday to select a candidate for forming the next government. Both Shas and Religious Zionism recommended Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu. During the consultations, discussions also covered the status of Shas leader Arie Deri and the potential conscription of Haredim into the IDF. A security incident involving a journalist briefly delayed the proceedings.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

President Isaac Herzog began consultations to form Israel's next government on Wednesday.
Shas and Religious Zionism parties recommended Benjamin Netanyahu for the premiership.
Herzog questioned Religious Zionism's opposition to Arab parties, asking if it was racism.
Discussions included the status of Shas leader Arie Deri and Haredi IDF conscription.
A security incident involving a journalist briefly delayed the presidential consultations.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog commenced consultations with Knesset factions on Wednesday to determine who will be tasked with forming the next government. The Shas and Religious Zionism parties have both recommended Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu for the role. During discussions with Shas representatives, Herzog inquired about the status of party chairman Arie Deri, following reports of his potential resignation. The Shas delegation assured the president that Deri maintains full support from the Council of Torah Sages and will continue to lead the party. The Religious Zionism delegation expressed opposition to cooperating with Arab parties, including Ra'am, prompting Herzog to question if this stance constitutes racism. This delegation also raised the issue of conscripting Haredim into the IDF. Herzog informed participants that he had conferred with the head of the Shin Bet, the Police Commissioner, and the Attorney General regarding the investigation into the "electoral jihad" scandal. The start of the meetings was delayed by a security incident where traces of a suspicious substance were found on a foreign journalist during a search. The presidential residence was temporarily closed but reopened after the area was cleared.