Jerusalem, 2 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog will break with tradition by beginning consultations on forming the next government with the Knesset’s smallest political factions, seeking to explore alternative coalition possibilities before meeting with the larger parties.
“This decision was intended to allow for a broad examination of the full range of options on the agenda, before consultations with the larger factions take place, and to generate outside-the-box thinking,” the President’s office said, adding that Herzog is open to holding a second round of consultations if necessary.
On Wednesday, Herzog will meet with representatives of Religious Zionism-Identity, Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu. Thursday’s meetings will include United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, the Democrats, Ra’am, the predominantly Arab Joint List, Beyachad, Yashar! and Likud.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest in the Knesset, while the opposition camp led by Gadi Eisenkot is the larger parliamentary bloc. The two Arab parties combined to win an unprecedented 19 seats.
After completing the consultations, Herzog will designate a member of the Knesset to form the next government. Under Israeli law, the designated lawmaker will have 28 days to assemble a government, with the president authorized to grant an extension of up to 14 additional days.
With 120 seats in the Knesset, a coalition typically needs the backing of at least 61 lawmakers. Smaller parties could therefore hold the balance of power.
The possibilities extend beyond a conventional majority coalition. A minority government could take office if it wins more votes than it receives in opposition, while a broad unity government remains possible.
If the first attempt fails, Herzog can turn to another candidate, who will have 28 days to form a governing coalition.
If the second attempt also fails, or Herzog determines that no viable government can be formed, Knesset members have a final 21-day window to rally at least 61 colleagues behind an alternative candidate. That candidate then has 14 days to form a government. Should that fail, the Knesset is automatically dissolved, triggering a new election within 90 days.
