President Herzog Calls for Election Interference Probe Amid Coalition Uncertainty

President Isaac Herzog received the official results of Israel's 26th Knesset elections on Wednesday from Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg during a ceremony at the President's Residence. Speaking at the event, Herzog addressed allegations of foreign interference in the elections, tensions between the Shin Bet and the Attorney General's Office, and the challenges expected in forming the next government.

Herzog Calls for Thorough Investigation Into Election Interference

Addressing the ongoing investigation, Herzog emphasized that any suspected foreign interference in Israel's democratic process must be thoroughly examined. "Any suspicion of subversive external influence on the election results must be fully investigated by the Shin Bet and the police," he stated. The president stressed the importance of allowing the special investigative team to complete its work professionally, with full cooperation among the relevant authorities.

Herzog also revealed that he had spoken earlier that morning with Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. He expressed confidence in both officials, noting that tensions between security agencies and legal authorities are part of Israel's democratic reality.

Herzog Urges Political Parties to Show Flexibility

Ahead of his consultations with the political parties, Herzog called on elected representatives to demonstrate flexibility and work toward establishing a stable government. "In the current reality, where there is no clear winner following the elections, I ask everyone to demonstrate originality and creativity, courage and goodwill, so that the State of Israel can emerge victorious," he said.

While emphasizing that he would not ask political parties to abandon their principles or values, Herzog acknowledged that not every campaign promise or political commitment could be fulfilled during coalition negotiations. His remarks reflected the challenges facing the country's political leadership as parties attempt to overcome their differences and reach agreements on forming a government.

The president also noted that Israeli law grants him broad discretion in selecting the Knesset member who will be tasked with forming the next government. He indicated that he may conduct additional rounds of consultations with party representatives and ask difficult questions before reaching a decision, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the coalition-building process and the need for political cooperation.