Why it often takes a long time for Israel to actually have a new prime minister and government

The formation of a new government in Israel is often a lengthy process due to the fragmented political landscape. Voters elect parties, not individuals, making coalition-building essential. Typically, no party achieves an outright majority, necessitating alliances among multiple parties. After elections, it can take a week to confirm results, particularly for smaller parties that can significantly influence coalition dynamics. Once results are in, the president invites the leading party to form a coalition, which can be complicated by the presence of both right-wing and Arab parties. If a candidate fails to form a government within six weeks, another candidate is given the opportunity, potentially leading to new elections if no resolution is found.