Israel's President Herzog Urges Parties to Avoid Another Election

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for political parties to make every effort to avoid another election after preliminary results showed no clear parliamentary majority, Anadolu Agency reported.

The president will start talks with parliamentary groups next week, once official election results are released.

He plans to hear from each group, ask questions, and discuss before choosing a lawmaker to form a government.

Israeli law requires the president to consult with parliamentary groups and appoint a lawmaker to form a government within seven days of official results.

That lawmaker has 28 days to form a government, with possible 14-day extensions.

If they fail, the president can appoint another lawmaker; later, 61 lawmakers can nominate a candidate.

Failure to form a government could lead to another election.

Coalitions usually need 61 lawmakers' support, but Israeli law allows minority governments if more lawmakers back them than oppose.

Until a new government takes office, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's outgoing government will keep working.

Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 53 seats, Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc 48 seats, and predominantly Arab parties 19 seats, according to Israeli Channel 12.

Over 500,000 special ballots remain to be counted, and neither main bloc has reached the 61-seat majority threshold.

## Background Israel's government formation process is complex, often resulting in coalition governments or repeated elections.

The country has experienced multiple elections in recent years, with the latest vote held amid ongoing political tensions and challenges in forming a stable government.

## What's Next The formation of a new government will be crucial in addressing Israel's current challenges.

The country's political landscape remains uncertain, with multiple possible outcomes.

The president's consultations with parliamentary groups will be key in determining the next steps.