Israeli President Accepts Certified Election Results and Starts Coalition Talks

President Isaac Herzog formally accepted the certified results of Israel's recent parliamentary election on Wednesday and announced the start of consultations with party representatives to explore coalition options. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party nor the bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot secured a majority, prompting negotiations with smaller parties.

Israel's election commission reported that its review found no evidence of fraud or irregularities that could have affected the outcome. Acting director Dean Livne said the committee examined each complaint individually and thoroughly, concluding that the results accurately reflect voters' choices. A separate Shin Bet investigation into possible foreign interference is ongoing, but officials indicated that even if such interference were confirmed, it would not undermine the overall integrity of the election.

"The review found no evidence of irregularities that compromised the integrity of the election or affected its results," the elections committee said in a statement.

"Our position is that even if the suspicions are substantiated, this would not undermine the integrity of the electoral process or the election results as a whole," Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg stated.

Following the certification, Herzog will meet with each elected party over the next two days. He is expected to recommend a candidate—most likely Netanyahu or Eisenkot—to the Knesset for the task of forming a governing coalition. If no viable coalition emerges, a new election could be called for early next year.