Israel's President after government consultations with a sobering conclusion

The residence of President Izchak Herzog in Jerusalem - the central political arena in Israel for the past two days. One after the other, the parliamentary group delegations came before the head of state - and brought the deep divisions in parliament directly to the consultation table.

Herzog, who had previously called on the parties to have “courage and creativity,” experienced an unyielding stance from the right-wing camp. For Orit Strock, minister of national missions from the right-wing Jewish Zionism, only one name comes into question. "Since the majority is in the right-wing camp and the Likud is the strongest party, in our opinion only one person can lead this government: Benjamin Netanyahu."

But the right-wing alliance is crumbling. This was clearly evident in the appearance of the ultra-Orthodox factions. Ya'akov Asher of United Torah Judaism surprisingly refused Netanyahu the traditional recommendation.

The disunity in the right-wing camp

Instead, Asher used the presidential forum to focus on the demands of his religious clientele. The core of this is about the controversial conscription law for the Haredim, i.e. ultra-Orthodox Jews, and the exemption of religious students.

Meanwhile, in a video message published two days ago, Benjamin Netanyahu continued to add fuel to the fire. He warned urgently against an alliance between the opposition and the Arab forces. "Radical Islam is the challenge that is currently tearing countries in Europe apart - and it also threatens us. From within, through Islamist parties that support terrorism. They want to erase the Jewish identity of the State of Israel - and they say so openly."

Arab parties counter

The reaction of the Arab parties followed immediately during the consultations. Ahmad Tibi, head of the Ta'al party, took a fundamental stance against the prime minister. "What is crucial is that the government is headed by a prime minister who has been systematically and continuously inciting against the Arab population for a long time and who treats them not as citizens but as enemies."

The Eisenkot Yashar party presented itself as the driving force for the change of power. For them, Yoram Cohen underlined Herzog's absolute will for political awakening at the consultation table. "We must respect voters' desire for change. Israel is at a crossroads," says Cohen. "A new, stable and responsible government is an existential necessity."

Herzog announces further discussions

After the two-day consultations ended, President Herzog drew a sobering conclusion. There are now 67 recommendations from Knesset members for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, while Benjamin Netanyahu only gets 46 votes.

But in view of the irreconcilable bloc formation, the head of state announced further talks. "I am obliged to determine who is capable of forming a government. This is currently unclear. I intend to clarify this question quickly through personal discussions."

Observers now expect that Herzog will appoint Gadi Eisenkot to form a government on Sunday.