Herzog Begins Unprecedented Consultations with Small Parties on Government Formation

President Isaac Herzog's office announced that he will begin consultations with all factions and parties that won seats in the Knesset on Wednesday, November 4th, to assign a Knesset member the task of forming a new government. In an unprecedented move, Herzog decided to start with representatives of the smaller parties, contrary to custom. The meetings will be held in ascending order based on the number of seats each party obtained, with the "Religious Zionism - Otzma Yehudit" list being the first to meet the president.

The President's office explained that this decision aims to allow for a broader examination of the various options for government formation before consulting with the larger parties, and to create space for alternative ideas and directions. Herzog seeks to hear the positions of all parliamentary factions and explore possibilities for other paths or alternatives that could help reach understandings and form a government. The president does not rule out additional consultation rounds if necessary.

According to established procedures, Herzog will listen to the parties' recommendations regarding the individual they believe should be tasked with forming the government. After concluding the consultations, and any additional rounds, he will announce the name of the Knesset member assigned this mission. The designated Knesset member will have 28 days to form the government, with a possible 14-day extension granted by the president.