Israel's President Herzog Faces Key Decision After Inconclusive 2026 Elections

Israel held legislative elections in 2026, but no bloc won a clear majority in the Knesset. Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition leads the opposition bloc, while Arab parties made a historic surge at the ballot box.

President Isaac Herzog, who has held the largely ceremonial office since 2021, now has seven days by law to consult party representatives and designate a prime minister tasked with forming a new government. He is not required to choose the leader of the largest party.

“We have a common destiny in our beloved country.”

Herzog, 66, is known for a cautious and discreet style. He urged parties on Wednesday to do everything possible to avoid new elections and previously said he would support a national unity government between Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot.

The president comes from one of Israel's most influential political families. His father, Chaim Herzog, served as Israel's president from 1983 to 1993, and his uncle, Abba Eban, was foreign minister.

Born in Tel Aviv in 1960, Herzog grew partly in the United States, served in military intelligence, studied law, and was elected to parliament in 2003. He also formerly led the Labor Party and has opposed Netanyahu.

In a speech at the election committee on Tuesday, Herzog said Israelis share a common destiny despite expressing different opinions at the polls. He stressed that neither the U.S. president nor anyone else could interfere in his decision.

Official results were finalized overnight, and Herzog must now navigate the coalition-building process to end the political deadlock.