Israel's President Consults Parties on New Government Formation

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has begun consultations with parliamentary factions to form a new government, marking a new phase in the rivalry between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot for the premiership. The Shas and Religious Zionism parties have already declared their support for Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu. During a meeting with a Shas delegation, President Herzog inquired about Arie Deri's potential resignation, but party representatives assured him of Deri's continued leadership and support from the Council of Torah Sages. The Religious Zionism party expressed its refusal to cooperate with Arab parties, including Ra'am, a stance President Herzog questioned, asking how it differed from racism. Discussions also covered the conscription of ultra-Orthodox community members into the IDF. President Herzog intends to hear from all factions to identify potential paths to forming a government. He may conduct further rounds of consultations or meet individually with party leaders. Following these talks, he will task a Knesset member with forming a cabinet, a process with a 28-day deadline, extendable by two weeks. The mandate is expected to be assigned between November 6 and 10. The President's residence is also preparing for potential military escalation, considering the possibility of holding consultations outside the residence if necessary. Preliminary estimates suggest Gadi Eisenkot could secure the support of 48 Knesset members from parties including Yashar, Be'ahad, Democrats, and Yisrael Beiteinu. Benjamin Netanyahu, conversely, might receive 46 votes from Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and Religious Zionism. The Joint Arab List, Ra'am, and United Torah Judaism have not yet declared their recommendations. If they do not endorse any candidate, Eisenkot would become the primary contender for the mandate to form a government. A key issue in potential coalition talks between United Torah Judaism and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party remains whether the religious faction will demand prior approval of a conscription law in three readings, a condition they have reportedly set for Benjamin Netanyahu.