(haipo) President of the State, Isaac Herzog, announced a significant change in the order of consultations leading up to the imposition of the mandate to form a government. Contrary to the usual practice, the President will open the round of meetings on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with the smaller factions, in ascending order of the number of mandates. The goal of the move: a broader examination of political options, broadening the discourse and creating new thinking that can assist in forming a stable government.
An unusual move: the small factions first
President Herzog decided that, unlike the practice that was accepted in the past, this time he would begin the round of consultations with the smaller factions, in ascending order of mandates. This decision was intended, according to the announcement from the President's Office, to allow for a broad examination of the full range of options on the agenda before consultations with the larger factions take place, and to create thinking outside the box. The President wants to hear the positions of all factions and examine whether there are additional directions or alternatives that may assist in formulating agreements and forming a government. This is based on the perception that at this time it is important to exhaust all options, expand the discourse, and examine any way that may advance the process. The President also does not rule out another round of consultations if necessary.
Schedule: Two days of meetings at the Presidential Residence
Wednesday, 24th of Cheshvan, November 4th
- 17:00 – Religious Zionism–Identity
- 18:15 – Shas
- 19:30 – Yisrael Beiteinu
Thursday, 25th of Cheshvan, November 5
- 08:30 – Torah Judaism
- 09:45 – Otzma Yehudit
- 11:00 – Democrats
- 12:15 – RAAM
- 16:45 – The Joint List
- 18:00 – Together
- 19:15 – Straight
- 20:30 – Likud
What is the political significance of the move?
Bringing meetings with the smaller factions forward may allow the president to identify points of agreement or disagreement earlier, and to examine whether there are initiatives or collaborations that are not obvious. In doing so, Herzog seeks to expand the scope of possibilities before he reaches talks with the larger factions, which usually determine the main direction of the formation.
Imposing government formation and timetables according to the law
As usual, after the completion of the round of consultations and additional consultations as may be required, the President will announce the Member of Knesset who will be tasked with forming the government. According to the Basic Law: The Government, from the moment the President assigns the task to the elected Member of Knesset, he will have 28 days to form a new government. In a situation where an extension to the process is required, the President of the State has the authority to grant an additional extension of up to 14 additional days according to the law.
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