Tentative talks on a possible national unity government began in Israel between the parties of Benny Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu following last week’s inconclusive election result.

Representatives from Likud and Blue & White held a working meeting after the two leaders held private talks in President Reuven Rivlin’s office on Monday night.

The president said the meeting was “a significant step forward”.

“The public does not want another election,” Mr Rivlin said. “They came out and voted, and 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.

“This is not the time to exclude people.”

The main disagreement between Mr Gantz and Mr Netanyahu is understood to be who should first assume the role of prime minister.

Blue & White won the most seats in last week’s election with 33, against Likud’s 31.

But Mr Netanyahu has marginally more support among MKs – he has collected 55 endorsements, while Mr Gantz has 54.

Both are short of the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority.

Mr Rivlin will decide by the end of this week who he believes is best-placed to form a government.