Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main opponent Benny Gantz agreed to explore options for a unity government Monday as they met for the first time since last week's election at the request of Israel's president.
The key meeting came as the deadlocked vote results threatened Netanyahu's long tenure in office, though he has shown no sign of being willing to give up his post.
President Reuven Rivlin ushered both men into his office in Jerusalem around 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) after shaking their hands.
After roughly two hours, he left the two alone to meet before rejoining them again briefly.
Gantz and Netanyahu issued a joint statement afterwards pledging that chief negotiators of the two parties would meet on Tuesday.
That will be followed by another meeting between Rivlin, Netanyahu and Gantz on Wednesday.
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Rivlin, who has made clear he believes a unity government between their parties is needed to form a stable coalition, said: "We have taken a significant step forward tonight".
"The public does not want another election. They came out and voted," Rivlin said in a statement, addressing Gantz and Netanyahu.
"Now it is your turn. The responsibility for establishing a government falls on you, and the people expect you to find a solution and to prevent further elections, even if it comes at a personal and even ideological cost."
"The only way to reach it is to sit down and talk."