Israel president opens talks as rivals struggle to form government

President Isaac Herzog has begun a two-day consultation process with political parties following the October 27 election.

Herzog's office stated he is intentionally meeting with smaller parties first.

Neither Netanyahu's Likud nor Yashar's party holds the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, with Netanyahu's bloc at 53 seats and Yashar's at 48.

Eisenkot, Yashar's leader, could potentially secure a majority if he forms an alliance with Arab-Israeli parties, which now hold 19 parliamentary seats due to public outrage over Netanyahu's policies.

Netanyahu has accused Arab-Israeli parties of 'stealing' votes and called for a coalition government excluding them, while the attorney general requested intelligence updates on alleged electoral fraud claims.

Arab-Israeli leaders have rejected the fraud allegations, and Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine democracy. Herzog has expressed a desire to avoid new elections by encouraging 'fresh thinking' and broad dialogue.

If no party forms a government within 28 days, Herzog may assign the task to another party. If all efforts fail, a majority of lawmakers could nominate a leader within 21 days, or Israel will face new elections.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, faces corruption charges and potential jail time if he loses power.