But Moshe Gafni walks out of Channel 12 interview while denying Haredim are disproportionately violating health rules: 'I don't accept this incitement, we've had it'

Senior member of ruling party says he cannot imagine sitting in same government as leader of Otzma Yehudit party, which Netanyahu maneuvered into merger of far-right parties

New Hope leader slams Netanyahu for willingness to partner with radical right-winger; also bashes rival Bennett for not ruling out partnership with PM

Initial surveys after closing of official slates for March elections see both Netanyahu and his opponents short of majority; several parties in danger of falling below threshold

Final merger on religious right falls through: Hagit Moshe springs last-minute surprise as deadline passes for submission of slates for March 23 vote, Israel's fourth in two years

Ben Gvir says that in talks with Netanyahu associates ahead of far-right merger, both sides recognized that PM can't form right-wing coalition without his slate in Knesset

Palestinians are scheduled to head to the ballot box on May 22, although observers are skeptical that elections will actually happen

Likud lawmaker, who fell seriously ill in December, urges public to 'take the disease seriously'; will present ruling party's electoral slate

The Jerusalem-Tel Aviv divide is being reified on Knesset candidate rosters, as juggernaut Gideon Sa'ar's right-wing ideology helps pop the myth of the Tel Aviv bubble

Yair Golan says leftist faction is prepared to help right-wing challenger become PM; doesn't rule out Bennett or Liberman either