'Trying to provide ladders': Herzog's message to parties ahead of consultations
Ahead of consultations at the President's Residence, Herzog calls on party leaders to acknowledge the election results and work to prevent another election
Assessment
President Herzog is publicly pressuring party leaders to accept the election outcome and avoid a fifth round of voting. His phrasing about providing ladders suggests he expects coalition talks to be difficult and wants factions to find face-saving ways to compromise. The real test comes during the consultations, where each party's willingness to recommend a candidate will determine whether Israel gets a stable government or heads back to the polls.