Herzog's stance on Netanyahu's pardon raises possibility of compromise if election ends in deadlock

President Isaac Herzog stated his considerations on Netanyahu's pardon request are "solely substantive," proposing mediation under the President's Residence. With elections potentially ending in deadlock, scenarios for a unity government and rotation arrangement resurface. Herzog said he will do everything to prevent another election cycle and establish a stable government. The conscription law could add difficulty, as Haredi officials have indicated at least some factions may prefer to remain in the opposition until the issue is resolved. Coalition figures estimate Netanyahu may view this complexity as a reason to believe his opponents' government would face internal tensions. Past presidents intervened during deadlocks: in 2019, Reuven Rivlin brought Netanyahu and Benny Gantz together; in 1984, Chaim Herzog advanced a unity government between the Alignment and Likud. The current coalition map shows possible paths to forming a government without Netanyahu involving Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman, and the Democrats, while other scenarios require Haredi parties to join. Sources close to Herzog said the president's powers in government formation are defined by law but leave room for flexibility. Netanyahu has not yet responded to the mediation proposal. Political figures have raised the scenario that if neither side reaches 61 seats in the election, and Herzog is determined to prevent another election cycle, ideas for a unity government and a rotation arrangement could return to the table. Herzog said he will do everything to prevent repeat elections and establish a stable government, noting he has a wide set of tools and broad discretion.

President Isaac Herzog said on Wednesday that his considerations on whether a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could serve as leverage toward a unity government are "solely substantive." He proposed mediation under the President's Residence and believes Netanyahu's trial should end through an agreement and plea deal. Netanyahu has not yet responded to the mediation proposal. Political figures have raised the scenario that if neither side reaches 61 seats in the election, and Herzog is determined to prevent another election cycle, ideas for a unity government and a rotation arrangement could return to the table. Herzog said he will do everything to prevent repeat elections and establish a stable government, noting he has a wide set of tools and broad discretion. Sources close to Herzog said the president's powers in government formation are defined by law but leave room for flexibility. Past presidents intervened during deadlocks: in 2019, Reuven Rivlin brought Netanyahu and Benny Gantz together; in 1984, Chaim Herzog advanced a unity government between the Alignment and Likud. The current coalition map shows possible paths to forming a government without Netanyahu involving Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman, and the Democrats, while other scenarios require Haredi parties to join. Coalition figures estimate Netanyahu may view this complexity as a reason to believe his opponents' government would face internal tensions. The conscription law could add difficulty, as Haredi officials have indicated at least some factions may prefer to remain in the opposition until the issue is resolved.