President Isaac Herzog's consultations at Beit HaNassi took centre stage on Wednesday as parties declared their recommendations for who should receive the mandate to form the next government. Meanwhile, in Washington, President Trump defended the war against Iran despite acknowledging its political cost to Republicans in the midterms, and a Shin Bet investigation into former Joint List leader Ayman Odeh added a new flashpoint to domestic politics.

Politics

The President's consultations saw the Religious Zionist Party and Shas recommend Benjamin Netanyahu, joining the 'change bloc' alongside Yisrael Beytenu, which instead backed Gadi Eisenkot, expected to receive the mandate. Ra'am is also expected to recommend Eisenkot, while United Torah Judaism's 'right-wing axis' may follow Netanyahu's camp. Agudat Yisrael figures Yitzhak Goldknopf and Moshe Gafni are not expected to back any candidate. The Zehut faction, represented by Moshe Feiglin and Shai Malka, also recommended Netanyahu. Herzog issued a pointed warning to Religious Zionism's Avi Strock after remarks dismissing Arab parties as illegitimate, saying the consultations were 'broadcast to the world.' Eisenkot, for his part, pledged to deepen Israel's bipartisan ties with Washington should he lead the next government, vowing to work closely with the Trump administration. Separately, Yair Lapid is reportedly emerging as the change bloc's leading candidate to replace the Knesset speaker, a move being discussed as part of efforts to form an emergency national government. In Shas, chairman Aryeh Deri confirmed he will not resign despite the party's collapse to six mandates, saying he accepted the Council of Torah Sages' instruction 'without hesitation' and pledging to 'lead Shas forward.'

International

US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the war against Iran hurt Republicans in the midterm elections due to rising fuel prices, but insisted he had 'no choice' and would act again to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He said Vice President JD Vance was 'largely right' in linking the war to election losses, though he denied reports he is considering firing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis floated as a potential replacement. Vance's own remarks, in which he argued Israel-related policy and the Iran war drove voters to the Democrats, continued to reverberate in Washington. Separately, Democrat Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black Speaker of the US House, a development being closely watched by pro-Israel advocates given his long-standing support for Israel. In London, the House of Lords passed a Motion of Regret over the government's sanctions regime, with peers citing concerns it serves 'domestic political objectives' relating to Israel. Birmingham City Council also voted to pursue a review of Israel-linked investments for possible divestment, despite warnings from Jewish community groups.

Security

Outgoing Joint List leader Ayman Odeh is reportedly suspected by the Shin Bet of receiving foreign funding, amid a broader voter fraud investigation. Odeh warned that 'spins and lies' would intensify ahead of the new Knesset's swearing-in, while his party condemned what it called a 'campaign of political persecution.'

Economy

Israir is reportedly weighing a takeover of debt-ridden rival Arkia, a move that could create a stronger counterweight to flag carrier El Al. Any merger would require Israir to absorb significant debt, clear antitrust hurdles, and address ongoing worker unrest at Arkia.

Other Developments

A senior police commander, Deputy Commissioner Yoni Hajaj, sparked outrage after telling a podcast that criminal defence lawyers are often liars who obstruct investigations, estimating that '30-50%' deserve to be 'thrown into the sea.' The Israel Bar Association has appealed to the police chief, calling the remarks 'wild incitement' that endangers lawyers' safety.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post