Palestinian citizens of Israel face intimidation after record election gains

■ Steady

Israel's election commission confirms deadlocked result as Herzog opens coalition talks

On Wednesday, Israel's election commission confirmed the vote results and dismissed fraud claims, while Netanyahu's allies refused to back the outcome. President Isaac Herzog began talks on who should form the next government. A report on Wednesday said Palestinian-led parties, which won a record number of seats, now face a campaign against them. Neither bloc is close to a majority, and the next government remains undecided.

• The commission rejected fraud claims; Netanyahu's allies declined to accept the outcome. On Monday Netanyahu had described the election as stolen.
• Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties hold the key to a majority, according to a Tuesday report.
• All parties in Eisenkot's camp have endorsed him as prime minister, but it is open whether to join forces with the Arab parties.
• The New York Times says Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, could become central to resolving the deadlock.