Israeli president Isaac Herzog asked party leaders to acknowledge the results and find a way forward. (Reuters photo)
His appeal comes as neither the opposition nor the ruling coalition has secured a clear majority in the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament. The opposition secured 67 seats in Tuesday’s election, compared with 53 for the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu . However, the opposition’s numbers are divided between 48 seats held by Zionist parties and 19 won by Arab non-Zionist parties, making it difficult to agree on a governing arrangement.
This week at the President’s Residence, we will try to put up ladders, to enable the leaders to face reality, in a measured and careful manner,” he said. Eisenkot said he wanted to form a broad “Zionist and statesmanlike government” and that any lawmaker willing to support his basic conditions could become a partner. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has urged political parties to accept the election outcome and work towards forming a government, warning that another election should be avoided. Speaking at a memorial ceremony for Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, Herzog asked party leaders to acknowledge the results and find a way forward. “But the elections are over, the election results are an established fact — they are reality. And this is the time to tell all the leaders: stop climbing the trees and face reality. He argued that voters had delivered a clear verdict against Netanyahu’s government. He also called for a major effort to prevent another election and a prolonged political deadlock.
On Saturday, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition Yashar party, said he would move quickly to use the new Knesset’s parliamentary majority.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are said to be considering legislation that would introduce direct elections for prime minister. The proposal could offer a way to form a minority government without relying on the support of Arab parties, according to The Times of Israel.