Party Recommendations at the President's Residence and Political Statements

In depth

The Shas party recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government in the consultation round at the President's Residence. According to Kan News, Shas feared that support for Netanyahu would draw criticism from the Haredi public, and coordinated with the prime minister a public declaration of support for a draft exemption law.

According to Israel Hayom, the United Torah Judaism party did not recommend Netanyahu, and Netanyahu's appeal to the rabbinical councils was met with refusal. The Shas chairman said that in the party they would work for Netanyahu to form a broad government, in accordance with the instruction of the Council of Torah Sages.

Representatives of Religious Zionism recommended Netanyahu and referred to the Arab parties. According to Arutz 7, Minister Orit Strock said that the nationalist Arab parties are not legitimate partners. In response, President Herzog reacted to her remarks.