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Israel's President Herzog begins coalition talks after election officials reject Netanyahu's claims of Arab-led parties 'stealing' the vote

Israel's election commission acting director Dean Livne said every complaint was examined individually and thoroughly, but none supported claims the results were invalid.
Israel's election commission acting director Dean Livne said every complaint was examined individually and thoroughly, but none supported claims the results were invalid.
Change Bloc's 48 certified seats left it short of the 61 needed for a majority, while Arab parties secured a historic 19 seats.
Change Bloc's 48 certified seats left it short of the 61 needed for a majority, while Arab parties secured a historic 19 seats.

Israel's election commission voted 15-14 to certify the 27 October results, rejecting Netanyahu's claims that Arab-led parties had stolen the vote through fraud. President Isaac Herzog accepted the official tally from Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg at a ceremony in Jerusalem, then launched two days of consultations with party leaders on who should attempt to form a government.

Herzog is widely expected to offer centrist Gadi Eisenkot the first mandate, as his bloc of 48 seats could attract Arab party support to clear the 61-seat threshold.

Eisenkot warned Netanyahu had launched a 'pogrom against democracy' by trying to weaponise security forces against Palestinian-led parties without evidence.

Israel's attorney general blocked a Shin Bet demand to interrogate four Arab-Israeli politicians, saying citizens cannot be questioned 'without evidence that justifies doing so.'

MoreBBC NewsIsrael's president to begin consultations with parties after election deadlockThe GuardianIsrael’s election commission rejects Netanyahu claims of voting fraudThe Jewish Chronicle (GNews)Eisenkot set to be handed first chance to form government after election authorities ratify results - The Jewish ChronicleUPIIsraeli President Isaac Herzog formally adopts election resultsHuffPostIsrael’s President Accepts Certified Election Results Ahead Of Talks On Forming Of New GovernmentFox NewsNetanyahu faces coalition showdown as rivals maneuver to form Israel's next governmentThe HeraldIsrael’s president accepts certified election results ahead of government talksNYT WorldIsrael’s President Will Start Talks on Whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot Can Form a GovernmentNYT WorldIsrael’s President Could Play Key Role in Breaking Post-Election DeadlockThe Jewish Chronicle (GNews)Could any of Israel’s many coalition options succeed? - The Jewish ChronicleNYT WorldA Test for Israeli Democracy: Should Jews Ask Arabs to Join the Government?
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