Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is known for his unassuming and mild manner, but all eyes will be on him as he decides whom to task with forming the next coalition government.
The decision is a weighty one as neither the camp of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor that of his rival Gadi Eisenkot secured a majority in parliament. Mr. Under the law, the president, whose position is otherwise largely ceremonial, is afforded broad discretion, with no guidelines on how to make the choice. Mr. Herzog has called for all efforts to be made to avoid a new election. Mr. Before he served as head of state, Mr. Herzog vied to oust Mr.
Herzog starts consultations on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) with party representatives as he decides on a candidate who has the best chance of forming a government — not necessarily the one whose party holds the most seats. Herzog was elected to Israel’s parliament in 2003 and held portfolios including housing, tourism and welfare. In 2015, as leader of Israel’s centre-left Labour party, Mr.
“I expect everyone who comes here to come with an open mind,” he said shortly after the election. Herzog said he would do everything he could to avoid a fresh election — a possibility if neither camp can cobble together a coalition — including backing a unity government between Netanyahu and Eisenkot. Netanyahu as prime minister, presenting himself as a subdued, even-keeled alternative to the bombastic “Bibi”.
Ahead of the October 27 vote, Mr. Herzog acknowledged there would be tremendous pressure, but vowed not to let outside influence, notably from U.S. President Donald Trump, sway his decision.
“I don’t think the president of the United States or anybody else can intervene in my discretion,” he told U.S. outlet MS Now.
