Israeli President Begins Coalition Talks Following Undecisive Election

Israeli President Isaac Herzog began consultations with political parties on Wednesday to select a candidate to form a government after an inconclusive general election left the country in a political deadlock.

Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his primary challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Mr. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and its allies won 53 seats, while Mr. Eisenkot's centrist alliance secured 48 seats, leaving 19 seats in the hands of Arab-led parties.

The outcome leaves the country facing deep political divisions and potential instability following a divisive campaign, with the president holding the authority to assign the task of building a coalition.

Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg presented the official election results to Mr. Herzog on Wednesday morning in Jerusalem.

"In recent days, we have heard voices trying to cast doubt on the election results and to undermine their legitimacy. This is a real danger," said Justice Noam Sohlberg, the Central Elections Committee chairman.

Electoral authorities rejected fraud allegations promoted by Mr. Netanyahu, who claimed Arab-majority parties manipulated the vote, after auditing 9,069 polling stations and finding no evidence of irregularities.

Domestic security service Shin Bet is currently investigating possible foreign interference in the election, including allegations of funding from Qatar aimed at increasing voter turnout in Arab communities.

Qatar and the Arab parties have categorically denied any involvement or wrongdoing regarding the foreign funding allegations.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated late on Tuesday that she would not permit the questioning of individuals without evidence, prompting sharp criticism from Likud officials.

Mr. Eisenkot accused Likud of attempting to weaken trust in the democratic process, according to the Jerusalem Post cited by the Indian Express.

"Not every commitment and promise can be fulfilled," said President Isaac Herzog, urging politicians to compromise in order to avoid holding another round of elections.

Mr. Netanyahu has called for a broad national government with himself at the helm, while opposition leaders have agreed to back Mr. Eisenkot.

Mr. Herzog will continue his consultations with party representatives over the coming days to determine who has the best prospect of building a stable coalition.