President Herzog received formal results from the Central Elections Committee
chair on Wednesday and will consult party delegations before appointing a
candidate to form a government, per law. Herzog is expected to grant the mandate
to the candidate with the most party support. Consultations resume Thursday and
will run into the evening. Results: Netanyahu bloc 53 seats, opposition 48, Arab
parties 19. The current deadlock could force a repeat election, though parties
may still negotiate a coalition to avoid another vote.
