Herzog’s consultations with party leaders begin after security alert at President's Residence

The first consultations between President Isaac Herzog and party representatives on whom they would recommend to form the next government were set to begin at the President’s Residence on Wednesday.

The consultations were delayed after a security screening machine at the President’s Residence triggered an alert while screening visitors.

Entry to the compound was temporarily halted pending clarification of the matter, a statement from the President’s Residence said.

"Police bomb disposal experts are on their way to the scene to inspect the equipment. The matter is being examined in coordination with the relevant authorities," the statement added.

By law, the president is required to consult the Knesset factions before deciding who receives the task of forming a government. The first party to meet with Herzog is the far-right Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

CEC approves election results given to Herzog

The CEC approved on Wednesday morning the election results given to Herzog at noon, after finding no evidence of compromised election integrity amid the ongoing Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) investigation into suspicions that foreign entities, such as Qatar and Turkey, allegedly funneled money into Israel to influence voting in Arab communities.

Herzog has invited faction representatives in ascending order of Knesset seats, beginning with the Religious Zionism Party, Shas, and Yisrael Beytenu, and Zehut.

The consultations will continue with other parties on Thursday into the evening.

Both the Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Shas, led by Arye Deri - who have also been key partners in Netanayhu's coalition - stated on Tuesday that they would recommend Netanyahu.

Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin said on Tuesday he would recommend Netanyahu, but would also call for the dissolution of the newly elected Knesset and fresh elections, claiming that alleged electoral irregularities had undermined the legitimacy of Israel's democratic process.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman has announced that he would recommend prime ministerial candidate Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot.

Other party leaders in the opposition bloc, Naftali Bennett (B'Yachad), and Yair Golan (the Democrats) have also stated that they would recommend Eisenkot, with the aim of avoiding another election.

The election results showed that Netanyahu’s bloc maintained its lead, securing 53 seats in the next Knesset, while the opposition bloc won 48. The Arab parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, won a record-breaking 19 seats combined.

A small group of demonstrators is protesting outside the President's Residence in Jerusalem as the Central Elections Commission chairman presents Herzog with the official election results.

Political deadlock could lead to another election

The political deadlock could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations. Other possible outcomes include a unity government between Netanyahu and members of Eisenkot’s bloc, or a minority government.

Along with the 48 seats won by the opposition bloc, the Arab parties' 19 recommendations would give Eisenkot 67 in total, prompting Herzog to potentially grant him the mandate over Netanyahu.

On Sunday, Herzog called on Israel's political leaders to accept the election results and demonstrate flexibility in coalition negotiations, warning against political entrenchment that could force the country into another election.