Israel’s president says parties need to engage with ‘open heart’ to avoid fresh election

Israel’s president says parties need to engage with ‘open heart’ to avoid fresh election Israel’s president Isaac Herzog has called on the nation’s fragmented political parties to negotiate the formation of a new government “with an open heart”, warning that continued deadlock could force a second election within months. Herzog, who traditionally remains above the partisan fray, said he would now begin “broad‑based consultations” with all factions represented in the Knesset to map a viable path forward. His remarks came after the March 2024 vote produced a bewildering split, leaving no clear majority and prompting a flurry of speculation about coalition possibilities..

The election, Israel’s fifth in less than three years, delivered a starkly divided parliament: the right‑wing bloc secured 31 seats, the centre‑left 30, while smaller religious and Arab parties together held the remaining 39. Analysts note that the outcome reflects deep societal fissures over the war in Gaza, the economy and the role of the judiciary. With the incumbent coalition already weakened by internal rifts, the prospect of any single bloc commanding enough support appears remote, raising the spectre of a costly repeat poll..

Herzog, a former Labour minister and ex‑leader of the Jewish Agency, underscored the president’s constitutional duty to “facilitate the emergence of a stable government”. He pledged to meet with leaders of every party, regardless of size, in an effort to identify common ground on issues ranging from security policy to social welfare. “The future of Israel cannot be decided by a handful of hard‑liners; it requires compassion, pragmatism and the willingness to listen,” he said in a televised address that echoed the tone of his predecessor, Reuven Rivlin..

In response, veteran right‑wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the Likud party, warned that any “forced” coalition would be unstable and could jeopardise Israel’s security posture. He insisted that his bloc would not compromise on core principles such as a robust response to Hamas and the preservation of settlements in the West Bank. Yet Netanyahu also hinted at a possible outreach to centrist parties, suggesting that a “broad‑based” government might be the only way to avert another election that could further erode public confidence..

Opposition leader Yair Laplante of the centrist Yesh Atid party took a more conciliatory tone, urging “all sides to put the nation’s interests above partisan ambition”. Laplante, who campaigned on a platform of judicial reform and economic revitalisation, said his party would be willing to join a coalition that respected democratic norms and protected minority rights. He highlighted the need for a “realistic” approach to budgetary constraints, warning that an endless stalemate would cripple essential services..

Small religious parties, often king‑makers in past Israeli cabinets, have signalled they will use their leverage to extract concessions on matters such as funding for faith‑based schools and the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Rabbi Yitzhak Berman, leader of the ultra‑orthodox United Torah Judaism bloc, told reporters that his faction would not compromise on “the sanctity of our holy places”, but was prepared to support a government that safeguards security and promotes social welfare for Haredi families. Their 7‑seat block could prove decisive if larger parties fail to secure a majority..

The Arab parties, which together hold 10 seats, face a delicate balancing act. Their leader, Mansour Lieblich of the United Arab List, warned that any coalition must address the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and guarantee civil rights for Arab citizens. He reiterated a willingness to join a government that recognises the need for a “just and lasting peace”..

However, Lieblich also cautioned that aligning with parties perceived as hostile to Arab interests could alienate their base ahead of local elections later this year. Political scientists observing the deadlock point to the president’s unprecedented move to hold “open‑heart” talks as a sign of the seriousness of the crisis. Dr Eli Rosenfeld of the Hebrew University’s Department of Political Science noted that Herzog’s approach mirrors a broader trend in parliamentary democracies where heads of state act as mediators when party politics reaches an impasse..

“The president is essentially becoming a facilitator, seeking to bridge ideological chasms that have widened since the Gaza war,” Rosenfeld said. International observers are watching closely, fearing that another election could further destabilise a region already fraught with tension. The United States, through its embassy in Tel Aviv, has quietly urged Israeli leaders to reach a “sustainable and inclusive” agreement, emphasizing the importance of continuity for security cooperation..

Meanwhile, European capitals have expressed concern that protracted negotiations could embolden extremist elements on both the left and right. In the coming days, Herzog is expected to convene a series of closed‑door meetings with party leaders, a process that traditionally lasts up to two weeks. If a coalition emerges, it will need to secure a vote of confidence from the 120‑member Knesset..

Failure to do so will trigger a new election, likely in the autumn, at a time when the nation’s economy is already under strain from rising inflation and a housing shortage. Public sentiment, according to recent polls, shows growing fatigue with the perpetual election cycle. A joint survey by the Israel Democracy Institute and the Jerusalem Post indicates that 58 % of respondents prefer a “government of national unity” over partisan bickering, while only 22 % express confidence that any of the major parties can form a stable coalition on their own..