Israel's president begins process of coalition government negotiations

The process of forming Israel's next government begins Wednesday. That's when Israel's president will receive the official election results and begin consultations with political parties. He's calling on party leaders to work together. Shani, Shani Mekaveh. I hope the representatives will come with an open mind. Thank you very much. And today I add with an open heart as well, to listen, to share ideas, and to find creative solutions to prevent another round of elections. Thank Last week's election left no block with a parliamentary majority setting the stage for difficult coalition negotiations. you A candidate needs to secure the support of at least 61 members of the 120-seat Knesset to form a government. very Following party consultations, Herzog will choose the candidate he believes has the best chance of doing so. much. Most likely current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or his main rival, centrist leader Gadi Eisenkot. At risk of losing power, Netanyahu appears to be trying to stymie a potential alliance between Eisenkot's bloc and the Arab parties, which won a record number of seats. Netanyahu's Likud party claimed without evidence that Arab-led parties stole the elections. But Israel's Central Elections Committee says the results will stand. Let me be clear. Suspicions remain suspicions. Challenging election results require solid evidence. Together, Eisenkot's opposition bloc of 48 seats and Arab-led parties' 19 seats would have enough to form a new government and oust Netanyahu. Israeli society is highly polarized over the prospect of an Israeli-Arab coalition. This weekend, several hundred protesters turned out in support, while a few dozen right-wing activists gathered outside Eisenkot's home to protest it. People like Eisenkot. Forget that there are Jews. We have a tiny country, very tiny Jewish country. We want to keep it as a Jewish country. The two blocs have not yet said whether they will agree to work together. It could be weeks or even months before a government is formed, during which time Netanyahu remains prime minister.