Israeli president begins talks to resolve government deadlock

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 21:08 · Archive

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is holding consultations with political parties to determine who has the best chance of forming a coalition government with a parliamentary majority. The talks, to be broadcast live, begin on Wednesday afternoon with the Religious Zionist Party, followed by meetings with the ultra-Orthodox Shas party and the far-right Yisrael Beitenu. Consultations continue on Thursday with further parties including the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism alliance, the far-right Otzma Yehudit, the left-liberal Democrats, Arab-dominated parties, and the centre-right Together alliance.

Neither of the two largest political forces has secured the 61 seats needed for a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party won 27 of the 120 seats in the recent parliamentary election, whilst opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot's newly founded party Yashar secured 21 seats. The president will meet Netanyahu and Eisenkot separately on Thursday evening.

The candidate appointed by Herzog has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. If no viable coalition can be formed, new elections would be held. President Herzog has asked party leaders to consider 'creative solutions' to prevent this outcome.

How it is being reported

• Israeli president to try and resolve political deadlockPolitical leaders in Israel are preparing to meet with the president, in a bid to convince him they are the best candidate to form a coalition government.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 20:31
• Israeli president to try and resolve political deadlockPolitical leaders in Israel are preparing to meet with the president, in a bid to convince him they are the best candidate to form a coalition government.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 20:31

In this story: Isaac Herzog · Benjamin Netanyahu · Gadi Eisenkot · Israel · Likud · Yashar

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