Israel's Herzog begins coalition talks after deadlocked election

· Politics · Israel

Israel's President Isaac Herzog began the process of coalition government negotiations this week, seeking to break a deadlock after an election in which neither camp secured a clear majority. Herzog, described as a mild-mannered middleman in the country's bare-knuckled politics, must consult party leaders before choosing who should try to form a government. One possibility is a centrist opposition bloc including Arab parties, which won a record number of Knesset seats and holds the balance of power, forming a government that would oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protests for and against such a coalition took place over the weekend.

Why it matters：The outcome will determine whether Netanyahu stays in power and how Israel approaches the Iran conflict and relations with the US and Arab states.

Key points

  • Herzog must consult party leaders before choosing a premier-designate.
  • An Arab-led coalition holds the balance of power after winning record seats.
  • Protests for and against an anti-Netanyahu coalition were held at the weekend.

Sources (original reporting)

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