Upcoming local election could be a real race for the 1st time in years, as Shas candidate Uriel Buso takes on the United Torah Judaism machine and vows to mop up sanitation issues

Finance minister reportedly left discussions earlier in month when PM said he planned to resolve crisis; Deri rebuked by Agudat Yisrael rabbis when he tried to visit, report says

UTJ head reportedly threatens to thwart passage of budget -- without which government will fall -- unless Netanyahu government okays NIS 600 million ($164 million) more by Sunday

Avi Maoz says ruling bloc will be down a member if cabinet doesn't discuss allocating $90 million for new department that Netanyahu promised him

Galit Gutman later issues apology after facing widespread criticism for accusing right-religious coalition of 'simply milking its citizens'

Finance Minister Smotrich denies report he's warning he'll quit if Haredi parties' demands for further funds are met

Agudat Yisrael, part of UTJ, says it wants more funding for full-time religious scholars and their families, in line with coalition deals; coalition official: 'There's a limit'

Agreement said to put Haredi MK Uri Maklev in charge of social equality for women, LGBTQ people; Goldknopf to be housing minister, Porush to helm Jerusalem Affairs Ministry

Bid by Haredi party leader who did not serve in military for spot on high level defense panel drew fire from partners, opposition

As January 2 deadline approaches, the new coalition could be formed as early as Thursday; next phase of legislation demanded by parties expected to pass Monday