After politicians sit down for coalition talks, PM-designate's party also says deal reached to legalize many West Bank outposts within 60 days of government being formed

Islamist party's chief Abbas says wants to work with any coalition that is formed; National Unity, Yesh Atid squabble over Lapid's leadership of expected opposition in new Knesset

Bezalel Smotrich's insistence on a top ministerial position is no surprise; what should be shocking is Netanyahu's readiness to even contemplate giving him such authority

Likud party cancels all planned meetings with Religious Zionism; Smotrich said 'furious' with prime-minister-designate and vowing not to relent on his demand for the position

Religious Zionism leader Smotrich says anyone who raises 'a hand, weapon, or stone' should expect lethal force; Ta'al leader Tibi says 'Israeli-Jewish fascism' is a Jewish problem

Putin spokesman says too early to discuss meeting between Russian leader and Israeli PM-designate, noting ongoing coalition talks

Sudan's Burhan urges further cooperation amid stalled normalization process; no details on call with Jordan's Abdullah, who had frosty ties with Netanyahu during last term in power

The next parliament to be sworn in includes 23 first-time parliamentarians, 3 who returned after a break, 10 Arabs; and twice as many women in the opposition than in the coalition

As coalition negotiations heat up but with presumptive next PM said reluctant to give him post, far-right leader meets former IDF generals, gets backing from prominent rabbis

Otzma Yehudit chief's office refuses to name any diplomats he's been in contact with; missions indicate clear reluctance to meet prospective incoming far-right minister