developing· Politics· Updated 14:13

Israeli President to Begin Coalition Talks with Smaller Parties First

President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations to form Israel's next government on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after receiving the official election results. In a departure from traditional practice, Herzog will meet with the smallest Knesset factions first before consulting with the larger parties.

3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 1 Nov, 19:32

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Israeli President to Begin Coalition Talks with Smaller Parties First — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01President Isaac Herzog will receive the official election results and begin coalition consultations on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
02In a departure from tradition, Herzog will consult with the smallest Knesset factions first to explore all coalition options.
03The consultations will take place on November 4 and 5, 2026, and will be livestreamed from the President's Residence.
04On November 4, Herzog will meet with Religious Zionism-Identity, Shas, and Yisrael Beiteinu.
05On November 5, consultations will continue with United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, the Democrats, Ra'am, the Joint List, Together, and Yesher!.
06The designated Knesset member will have 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to form the next government.
07Herzog urged party leaders to compromise and abandon rigid demands to avoid holding new elections.

The consultations are scheduled for November 4 and 5, 2026, and will be broadcast live by the President's Residence. On Wednesday, Herzog will meet with Religious Zionism-Identity, Shas, and Yisrael Beiteinu. On Thursday, meetings will continue with United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, the Democrats, Ra'am, the Joint List, Together, and Yesher!.

According to the President's Residence, this new approach of consulting factions in ascending order of their mandates aims to encourage creative thinking and explore all potential avenues for a coalition. Herzog urged party leaders to compromise and adapt their demands to the election's reality to prevent another election. After the consultations, the designated Knesset member will have 28 days, with a potential 14-day extension, to form a government.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 14:21

Latest report: Hamal. Read Hamal’s original