Israel's president starts coalition talks after inconclusive election

Israel's President Isaac Herzog began consultations with political parties Wednesday after last week's election produced no clear winner, warning leaders that "not every commitment and promise can be fulfilled" to avoid another vote. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor rival Gadi Eisenkot secured a parliamentary majority. Electoral officials confirmed no irregularities, rejecting Netanyahu camp claims of Arab-led parties "stealing" the election. The Shin Bet is investigating foreign interference allegations, though officials stressed these would not change the outcome. Netanyahu's Likud and allies won 53 seats, while Eisenkot's bloc took 48 in the 120-seat Knesset. Two Arab-led alliances won a record 19 seats, making them potential kingmakers, though most Jewish parties pledged not to work with them. Herzog, who has wide discretion in selecting a coalition-builder, condemned racist expressions toward Arab Israelis and urged patience with the Shin Bet probe.