When Israeli voters head to the polls, the election results rarely lead to a single party holding an outright majority in the Knesset, the country's 120-seat parliament. Because of this, the post-election period is defined by a structured process of coalition building. After the official results are finalized, the President of Israel holds consultations with representatives from all parties that won seats to determine which candidate has the best chance of forming a stable government.

Once a candidate is selected, they are typically given 28 days to negotiate agreements with other political factions. These negotiations often involve trading cabinet positions, policy concessions, or budget allocations in exchange for support. If the designated candidate fails to form a coalition within the allotted time, the president may grant a short extension or invite a different party leader to attempt the process. If these efforts remain unsuccessful, the country may face the prospect of another round of elections.

While the process is legally defined, it is frequently marked by political drama and public pressure. Parties often shift their stated positions to align with potential partners, and the final makeup of the government can look significantly different from the campaign promises made by individual parties. The stability of the resulting government depends entirely on the strength of the coalition agreements and the willingness of smaller parties to remain within the governing bloc.