Israel’s President Herzog: Delivers a Sobering Assessment

Update: 06.11.2026 • 09:25

Two days of talks at the presidential residence

For the past 48 hours President Izchak Herzog’s Jerusalem residence served as the focal point of Israel’s post-election maneuvering. Parliamentary delegations filed in one after another to present their recommendations for who should form the next government — and left Herzog with a clear impression of a deeply divided Knesset.

Herzog, who had urged parties beforehand to show “courage and creativity,” described the consultations as disappointing. Rather than bridging gaps, many speakers underscored entrenched positions and hardened blocs.

Right-wing camp insists on Netanyahu — but cracks appear

Delegations from the right made a forceful case that the next government should be headed by Benjamin Netanyahu. Orit Strock of the Religious Zionism party argued that because the right-wing holds a parliamentary majority and Likud is the largest formation, Netanyahu is the only acceptable candidate to lead.

Yet unity on the right was not absolute. The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism surprised observers when its delegation leader, Ya’akov Asher, declined to endorse Netanyahu in the traditional manner. Asher used his turn before the president to press for the ultra-Orthodox community’s priorities — most prominently the disputed military-draft exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students.

Netanyahu’s warning about Arab-linked opposition and the response

In a video message released during the consultations, Netanyahu escalated the rhetoric by warning against a possible alliance between opposition factions and Arab parties. He framed the challenge as one posed by “radical Islam,” which he said threatens social cohesion and seeks to undermine Israel’s Jewish character.

Arab party representatives responded immediately in the meetings. Ahmad Tibi of Ta’al sharply criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of long-standing incitement against Arab citizens and of treating them as enemies rather than fellow citizens.

Calls for change and the numbers on the table

The party around former military chief Gadi Eisenkot — Yashar — positioned itself as a catalyst for political change. At the presidential consultations, Yoram Cohen stressed that the electorate’s demand for a new direction must be respected and argued that Israel stands at a crossroads, requiring a stable and responsible new government.

When the two-day round of consultations ended, Herzog reported that 67 Knesset members had recommended Gadi Eisenkot as prime ministerial candidate, while 46 had backed Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite those figures, the president warned that the formation of a workable government remained uncertain because of entrenched bloc politics.

Next steps announced by the president

Given the unresolved impasse, Herzog said he would continue with additional personal consultations to determine who is best able to form a government. Observers expect that Herzog will name Gadi Eisenkot on Sunday to try to put together a coalition, but the president made clear that final decisions will follow further direct talks with party leaders.

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Lowell Hagan

Lowell Hagan closely follows international affairs. From geopolitical conflicts to economic cooperation, he provides context to help readers better understand global dynamics. His clear, structured style gives meaning to global news.