Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, long known for a low-key style, is suddenly central to the political calendar after the 27 October 2026 election: he will decide who gets the first chance to form the next government, Dawn reports, citing AFP.

Partial results show neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp nor that of rival Gadi Eisenkot securing a Knesset majority. After the official results are announced, Herzog will consult party representatives and name a candidate with the best chance of building a coalition — not necessarily the leader of the largest party.

Under Israeli law the presidency is mostly ceremonial, but the president has broad discretion here, with no hard rules on how to choose. As votes were still being counted on Wednesday, Herzog said he would receive the official tally the following week, after which consultations would begin.

“One thing must be clear, and I said this before the elections too: we must do everything we can, certainly after yesterday, to avoid another round of elections,” he said. “So I expect everyone who comes here to come with an open mind.”

Before the vote he acknowledged intense pressure but vowed not to let outside influence — including from US President Donald Trump — sway him. “I don’t think the president of the United States or anybody else can intervene in my discretion,” he told MS Now. “It’s Israel’s democracy and Israel’s constitution, and that’s what counts for me.”

Herzog, 66, was sworn in in 2021 after a landslide vote by lawmakers. He entered the Knesset in 2003, held housing, tourism and welfare portfolios, and in 2015, as Labour leader, challenged Netanyahu. He has said he would do what he can to avoid a fresh election, including backing a unity government between Netanyahu and Eisenkot if that path opens.

Source: Israel's unassuming President Herzog holds keys to next government | Dawn