Israeli President Isaac Herzog has urged the country’s political parties to enter negotiations on forming a new government with an “open heart,” as he prepares to consult with factions on a path forward after an uncertain election result.Last week’s elections saw Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc denied a majority, with the parties in his ruling coalition claiming 53 seats in Israel’s 120-member Knesset.Parties in the bloc aligned with Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, won 48 seats, leaving neither man with an obvious path to forming a government.The balance of power is held by parties representing Israel’s minority Arab community, which nearly doubled its representation in Israel’s parliament with 19 seats.But both Netanyahu and Eisenkot had ruled out working with them prior to the vote.Netanyahu has since continued to attack the Arab parties, accusing them of holding stances on Gaza and the West Bank he considers unacceptable.
Eisenkot, however, has indicated he is open to working with anyone who agrees to four conditions on Israeli sovereignty and opposition to Hamas, potentially opening a path to a deal that could propel him to power and avoid fresh elections.While Netanyahu is the leader of the single largest party, it is up to Herzog — largely a ceremonial figure — to decide who has the first shot at forming a government.He will hold initial consultations with party officials on Wednesday, beginning a delicate process that could last weeks.“I hope the representatives will come with an open mind, and today I add: with an open heart,” Herzog said in a statement Sunday.
“Come to listen and to be heard, to share ideas, and to find creative solutions to prevent another round of elections.”00:23Israel launches strikes on Gaza00:0000:00Netanyahu, who is set to remain in his post as a caretaker until a new government can be formed, has claimed Arab parties used foreign backing to “steal” the elections, without providing ...