Why Israel's New Government Could Take Weeks to Form After Pivotal Election

Israel's latest election is being called one of the most pivotal in the nation's history, with deep divisions over judicial reform, security, and the role of religion in public life. But even after the votes are counted, the real work begins: forming a government. The process is rarely quick. Israel's proportional representation system means no single party has ever won an outright majority, forcing coalition negotiations that can drag on for weeks or even months. The president, after consulting with all elected parties, taps the leader most likely to succeed—usually from the largest faction—but that person must then stitch together a coalition of at least 61 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. This time, the challenge is especially acute. The political map is fragmented, with parties split not only on left-right lines but also on religious-secular and Jewish-Arab axes. Past coalitions have collapsed over everything from military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men to settlement policy. If the frontrunner fails to build a majority, the president can give another candidate a chance, or send the country to yet another election. With the stakes this high, expect a long, tense period of bargaining. The next government's shape will determine Israel's path on issues from the judiciary to peace prospects—and it may take longer than many hope to get there.