The consultation stage with President Isaac Herzog began Wednesday, following the certification of the Knesset election, with a security incident prompting police intervention just as deliberations were about to begin.
A foreign journalist was detained Wednesday at the residence in Jerusalem during the normal procedure when going through the media security check. The incident happened when the security screening device triggered an alert suggesting that traces of a suspicious substance were on the journalist's body.
Entry to the residence was halted, and police bomb disposal technicians were called to examine the equipment. The circumstances of the incident are being looked into by relevant authorities. At the same time, an unusual security announcement came over the residence's public address system, telling everyone present to shelter in place and keep away from windows. Journalists in the media center were not allowed to leave.
Police confirmed the details of the incident and said, "Jerusalem District police officers, including police bomb disposal technicians, were dispatched a short time ago to the President's Residence following a report about a woman who arrived for the security screening, during which suspicion arose of traces of a suspicious substance on her body." Police made clear that the examination was continuing and that further details would be released as developments unfold.
No details have been released on the nature of the suspicious substance, and it has not been determined whether it involves an actual security threat.
Video: The President's Residence was rocked by a security incident on Nov. 4, 2026 / Credit: Bechadrei Charedim
The unusual incident occurred just before the parties' representatives were to arrive at Herzog's office to officially inform him of their preferred choice for prime minister in the wake of the Oct. 27 elections, which were officially certified on Wednesday. "During a security check of visitors to the President's Residence, the screening device sounded an alert, and as a result, entry to the compound has been halted at this stage pending clarification. Police bomb disposal officers are on their way to the site to inspect the equipment. The matter is under review with the relevant authorities," an official statement said.
