Israel Deadlocked as Herzog Consults to Form New Government

President Isaac Herzog began consultations with political parties on November 4 to resolve a government deadlock following the October 27 parliamentary elections. No single bloc secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc won 53 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc won 48, and Arab-led parties secured a record 19 seats.

In a departure from tradition, Herzog conducted meetings in ascending order of party size to explore a broader range of coalition options. He urged leaders to demonstrate flexibility and "face reality" to avoid repeat elections, while condemning "racist" rhetoric directed at Arab citizens. The Central Elections Committee certified the results on November 4, rejecting claims by Netanyahu that Arab parties "stole the election" through foreign funding from Qatar.

Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, allied behind Gadi Eisenkot to form a national emergency government. While the combined opposition and Arab factions hold 67 seats, a divide remains over whether to partner with Arab parties. Lieberman and others have ruled out a government reliant on Arab support, while Netanyahu has called for a broad national government under his own leadership, characterizing Arab parties as "supporters of terrorism.

Amid the deadlock, the Shin Bet is investigating allegations of foreign interference, though Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has blocked requests to interrogate elected officials due to a lack of evidence. The new Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.