How Israel's President will try to break the country's elections deadlock

As Shabbat concludes on Saturday evening, Israel will enter the next phase in its effort to form a government following last month's inconclusive elections. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will play a pivotal role in this process, with the power to determine which politician has the first chance at forming a government. With 120 Knesset members, it is expected that Gadi Eisenkot, who garnered the most recommendations from the new Knesset, will be the first to receive the opportunity.

However, President Herzog retains the discretion to choose otherwise, making this decision a critical one in the nation's future. The outcome of this choice could have significant ramifications for Israel's future, with opposition members expressing the urgency to form an "emergency" coalition and begin rebuilding the country's international image.

To achieve a majority, they may need to compromise on campaign promises, including making concessions to the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party and potential alliances with Arab parties. If Eisenkot were to pursue these options, it could further fuel Netanyahu's conspiracy theories regarding election fraud, which are already being amplified by loyalists in the Israeli security system.

Herzog aims to foster unity amidst the four years of unprecedented division under Netanyahu's rule. The President will have until Sunday to announce his decision, which will have profound consequences for Israel's political landscape. If no agreement is reached within 28 days, the President reserves the right to grant an additional 14-day extension, or face the possibility of calling for new elections altogether.