Israel's president meets party leaders amid Gaza operations, West Bank tensions

Israel's president launched a series of meetings with leaders from across the political spectrum Wednesday as the country enters a new phase of government formation negotiations.

The consultations come as Israeli forces maintain ongoing military operations in Gaza, where recent weeks have seen intensified strikes and ground activities. The timing underscores the complex security environment facing Israel's incoming administration.

Simultaneously, reports from the West Bank indicate rising tensions, with Palestinian communities reporting incidents of violence in areas including Hebron, a flashpoint location in the occupied territory. The escalation reflects broader instability across Israeli-Palestinian territories amid the Gaza military campaign.

The government formation process is expected to take several weeks, with the president tasked with identifying a candidate capable of assembling a coalition with parliamentary support. The incoming administration will inherit significant security challenges requiring immediate policy decisions regarding ongoing military operations and Palestinian affairs.