Political consultations ongoing in Israel to form new government

Consultations between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and political parties to form a new government in Israel are set to conclude on Thursday, more than a week after divisive general elections. The far-right religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties have both endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Since the majority is on the right and the largest party is Likud, in our opinion, the one who should lead this government, which we very much hope and will make an effort to establish, is Benjamin Netanyahu. It's been a minute and a half. The incumbent prime minister has also received support from the right-wing Zehut party and the ultra-orthodox Shas party. His rival, Gadi Eisenkot, can count on the support of opposition lists. Shas is a party that stays true to its promises at its core, and throughout the entire election campaign, we said we would go to the President's residence and recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for the right to receive the mandate, and with God's help, also form the next government. That's what we are doing now, and I wish him success in achieving the 61 seats. I think it's not easy. There are no unequivocal things here. I'm getting and forming the 61 based on the election results. . . Arab parties are expected to play a key role . . in forming a governing coalition. Netanyahu has accused them of stealing the election, a claim rejected by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.