President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations with the parties elected to the Knesset on Wednesday at 5 p.m local tine., ahead of his decision on whom to task with forming Israel's next government.
In an unusual departure from past practice, the meetings will be held in ascending order of the parties' Knesset seats, starting with the smallest factions and ending with the largest. Representatives of Religious Zionism-Zehut will be the first to meet with the president, while Likud representatives will conclude the consultations the following day.
Officials at the President's Residence explained that the decision was intended to allow for a broader examination of possible governing coalitions before meeting with the larger parties and to encourage "out-of-the-box thinking." Herzog wants to hear the positions of all the factions and explore whether additional approaches or alternatives could help build consensus and pave the way for the formation of a government.
The President's Residence also said Herzog believes it is important to explore every available option and broaden the dialogue. He has not ruled out holding a second round of consultations if necessary.
During the meetings, Herzog will hear each faction's recommendation on whom to task with forming a government. Once the consultations are complete, including any additional meetings deemed necessary, he will announce which Knesset member will receive the mandate to form a government.
Under Israeli law, the designated Knesset member will have 28 days to form a government, with the president authorized to grant an extension of up to 14 additional days.
Schedule of meetings at the President's Residence
Wednesday:
- 5 p.m.: Religious Zionism-Zehut
- 6:15 p.m.: Shas
- 7:30 p.m.: Yisrael Beytenu
Thursday:
- 8:30 a.m.: United Torah Judaism
- 9:45 a.m.: Otzma Yehudit
- 11 a.m.: The Democrats
- 12:15 p.m.: Ra'am
- 4:45 p.m.: Joint List
- 6 p.m.: Beyachad
- 7:15 p.m.: Yashar
- 8:30 p.m.: Likud
The consultations will be livestreamed on the president's official social media accounts. Only cameras operated by the Government Press Office will be permitted inside the meeting room.
A media center will also be established at the President's Residence, where party leaders will be able to make statements immediately after their meetings.
