Israel's 35th government was to be installed on Wednesday, ending 16-month political crisis; Likud officials say delay due to visit of top US diplomat

PM meets with senior members of his Likud party to discuss their future roles in coming unity government with Blue and White, which has vetoed Edelstein return

The duplicitous politics of Israel's longest-serving prime minister have shaped his country's political life and the government set to be sworn in this week

Medical interns protest against 26-hour shifts; demonstrators opposed to PM rally in Rabin Square, at Blue and White MKs' homes; parents decry limit on number of kids at daycares

US secretary of state confirms first trip since coronavirus lockdown, will meet with Netanyahu and Gantz in hours-long visit and throw support behind new government

Move comes after large Knesset majority -- including rival-turned-ally Gantz -- told president they endorse Likud incumbent as prime minister; government to be sworn in next week

After 16-month crisis, large Knesset majority -- including rival-turned-ally Gantz -- asks president to task Likud incumbent with setting up government; swearing-in set for May 13

Bills amending Basic Laws to anchor Netanyahu-Gantz rotation deal easily pass through parliament; government to be sworn in next week after over a year of political deadlock

Final votes on unity agreement to be held Thursday after last-minute amendments made; Court rejects petitions against deal, ending threat of 4th elections in 16 months

Clearing path to new government, judges find no legal justification to prevent PM from leading coalition; say accord ‘raises serious difficulties’ but intervention inappropriate