Herzog to Consult Smaller Knesset Factions First on Forming Government

President Isaac Herzog announced on November 2 that he will hear smaller parliamentary factions first in consultations over who should form Israel’s next government. Meetings with the factions elected to the 26th Knesset will begin at the President’s Residence on Wednesday, November 4, at 17:00 local time. Religious Zionism-Zehut is scheduled to meet him first. The president’s office said the factions would be heard in ascending order of their number of seats. It said the change would allow Herzog to examine possible government-formation arrangements before hearing the larger parties and “encourage fresh thinking”. Herzog wants to hear each faction’s position and explore alternatives that could lead to agreements and a government, his office said. It did not rule out another round of consultations if needed. The published timetable gives Shas and Yisrael Beitenu appointments later on November 4. Consultations resume with United Torah Judaism at 08:30 on November 5 and are scheduled to conclude with Likud at 20:30 that evening. Each faction’s representatives will recommend the Knesset member they believe should receive the mandate to form a government. After the consultations, including any additional round, Herzog will announce whom he has tasked with forming the government. His office said that Basic Law: The Government gives the designated member 28 days, with the president able to grant up to 14 additional days. The meetings will be broadcast live on the president’s official social accounts, and faction leaders will be able to give statements afterward at the residence’s media center.