Jerusalem, 9 November, 2022 (TPS) — The Central Election Committee formally presented the results of the 2022 elections to President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, who will now begin consulting with party leaders on who will form the next government.

Herzog denied media reports that he was using his influence for Prime Minister Designate Benjamin Netanyahu to form a national unity government with outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid and outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

“It is no secret that I have always believed and still believe in unity, but contrary to the publications, I did not and am not working for the establishment of this or that government, and I am not concerned with its composition or size. I leave this job to the political system, and to it alone,” Herzog said.

“I intend to complete the consultation process by Friday, and assign the task of forming the government this coming Sunday,” the president stressed, adding, “I turn to the elected officials and say: alongside a lively and necessary political debate, alongside decisions and making decisions, alongside not giving up on the world view – we must not under any circumstances give up on our togetherness.”

Herzog’s televised meetings with the party leaders will take place over the next two days to assess who has the best chance of forming a stable governing coalition. Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition has 64 seats. Once tasked with forming a coalition, Netanyahu will have 28 days to present his government to the Knesset for approval.

If more time is needed, a 14-day extension is customarily given.

Lapid has insisted he will not sit in a unity government with Netanyahu, who is on trial for charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. Netanyahu maintains his innocence.

On November 15, the new Knesset will meet for the first time. Although the first session is mostly ceremonial, a new Knesset speaker will be chosen. Among the MKs who have expressed interest in the post is Israel’s former ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon.