Israel's unassuming President Herzog holds keys to next government

AI Summary

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is beginning consultations with party representatives to decide whom to ask to form the next government. Neither Benjamin Netanyahu's camp nor rival Gadi Eisenkot's bloc has a parliamentary majority, leaving Herzog's decision pivotal to coalition negotiations.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog is known for his unassuming and mild manner, but all eyes will be on him as he decides whom to task with forming the next coalition government.  The decision is a weighty one as neither the camp of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor that of his rival Gadi Eisenkot secured a majority in parliament. Herzog starts consultations on Wednesday with party representatives as he decides on a candidate who has the best chance of forming a government -- not necessarily the one whose party holds the most seats.