Israeli Parties Consult on Government Formation After Election Results

Following the confirmation of the 26th Knesset election results, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is continuing consultations with party representatives to form a new government. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yashar," has emerged as a leading contender, securing 67 recommendations from various parties, significantly more than Benjamin Netanyahu's 46. The President is expected to task Eisenkot with forming a government in the coming days, presenting a challenge to Netanyahu's long tenure.

During consultations at the President's Residence, United Torah Judaism announced it would not recommend any candidate. Otzma Yehudit recommended Netanyahu, while representatives from Democrats, "B'Achadut," and "Yachad" recommended Eisenkot. Ra'am and the Joint List also recommended Eisenkot, with Mansour Abbas stating, "It is possible to establish a better government than the government of failures." Joint List chairman Yosef Jabareen indicated their support for Eisenkot was a strategic move to prevent Netanyahu's return, though he expressed reservations about the opposition's readiness to confront Netanyahu's methods.

Ahmad Tibi of Ta'al commented that the recommendation for Eisenkot was not out of affection, and Jabareen addressed concerns about Arab citizens, referencing a statement by the Prime Minister's son about a potential "next October 7th." Abbas also spoke about Hamas, suggesting that their actions harmed both Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel and advocating for a vision of peace and two states.

Moshe Rosenthal of Degel HaTorah stated that the party would speak with anyone interested in the welfare of yeshiva students, emphasizing their need for a legal framework for yeshiva students. He responded to the President's comment about the IDF needing soldiers by stating, "We are not afraid," and referencing a long-standing law for yeshiva students.

Meanwhile, the Central Elections Committee, headed by Justice Noam Sohlberg, officially certified the election results. Sohlberg addressed suspicions raised about the election process, stating that while investigations are ongoing, there is no evidence to invalidate the overall results or cast doubt on the Arab sector's vote. He stressed the importance of respecting democratic processes and the peaceful transfer of power.