What happens after the elections? This is how the process of forming a government will proceed

The article explains, step by step, the constitutional process for forming a government in Israel after the official election results are published. At the center of the process stands President Isaac Herzog, who consults with the factions and assigns the task to the candidate with the best chances, not necessarily the head of the largest party. Timetables, extension mechanisms, and the possibility of failure leading to repeat elections are presented.

The article provides a detailed explanation of the constitutional process for forming a government in Israel, as set out in Basic Law: The Government. After the official election results are published, President Isaac Herzog holds consultations with all the factions elected to the Knesset. On the basis of those consultations, the president assigns the task of forming a government to the Knesset member with the best chances of assembling a government that will win the Knesset's confidence. The law does not require the president to assign the task to the head of the largest party. The candidate has 28 days to form the government, with the possibility of an extension of up to 14 additional days. During this period coalition negotiations take place, including agreements on basic guidelines, the division of roles and portfolios. If the candidate fails, the president can assign the task to another Knesset member for 28 days without an extension, or announce that there is no possibility of forming a government. In such a case, a majority of Knesset members can ask the president to assign the task to a specific candidate, who will receive 14 days. If this attempt also fails, the Knesset disperses and new elections are held within 90 days. Even after the government is formed, it must receive the Knesset's confidence before taking office.