Israel's president begins consultations with parties after election deadlock

Key Points:

• Israel's President Isaac Herzog has begun consultations with political parties to decide who will form the new coalition government after a general election with no clear winner, emphasizing that not all promises can be fulfilled to avoid another election.
• The Central Elections Committee confirmed the election results amid claims from Netanyahu's camp alleging Arab-led parties "stole" the election, stating there is no evidence of irregularities to justify delaying certification.
• The Shin Bet security service is investigating allegations of foreign interference, including reports of substantial foreign funding aimed at increasing Arab voter turnout, but officials say these do not fundamentally affect the election outcome.
• Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and allied parties won 53 seats, while opposition parties secured 48, and two Arab-led alliances gained a record 19 seats, making them potential kingmakers despite most Jewish parties pledging not to work with them.
• President Herzog condemned racist rhetoric against Arab Israelis, called for patience regarding the foreign interference investigation, and highlighted the importance of respecting the democratic process and peaceful transfer of power.