A year of political deadlock has dissolved the informal traditions that once reined in Israeli political wrangling, and brought a new surge of rage to an old constitutional dispute

Conversation comes as rare sign of possible progress in negotiations for emergency government, after sides hitherto talked up unity but failed to actually move toward it

With all of Gantz's options to form government reportedly blocked, proposal would see centrist party back Netanyahu's steps to curb virus while tightening its hold on Knesset

Blue and White could position itself as a responsible opposition by backing PM's virus crisis management, and fighting him on everything else. It could always depose him later

PM says differences small, urges Blue and White chief to meet him immediately to form coalition; Gantz insists on heading such a government

The High Court ruling that Speaker Edelstein must put his job up for a vote appeared to have stalled what many saw as an attempted coup by Likud. Relief may prove premature

After one of the most rancorous political moments in Israeli memory, the long game of 'chicken' between Gantz and Netanyahu now heads towards its climax

Sebastian Kurz says Israeli PM warned that Europe was underestimating the threat, urged him to 'wake up and take action'

A coalition with Gantz would see the PM retain power for at least 18 months, and destroy Blue and White's raison d'être, though he may bet 4th elections would help him even more

Blue and White chief scorns Netanyahu's appeal for unity for coming amid ultimatums, attacks on democracy; Liberman urges Blue and White-Likud unity gov't, no matter who leads it