Senior politician, seen as close to Netanyahu, says Gantz-led government will crumble within a year under internal discord and constant attack, positioning Likud for a comeback

With Yisrael Beytenu's support, Gantz could have more MKs backing him for PM than Netanyahu; law barring indicted MK - like Netanyahu - from leading government could have majority

Likud gains 235,554 more votes than in last election, confirmed as largest party ahead of Blue and White with 33 seats

Ofer Shelah slams Likud leader for claiming votes for predominantly Arab party don't count; asserts that there's a majority in Knesset against 'Netanyahu state'

Trying to bend arithmetic to his needs, and opening a foundational debate, Netanyahu says Joint List of Arab parties has no place in the equation when determining the people's will

Head of Joint List, on track to have 15 Knesset seats, reiterates refusal to allow Liberman to become minister, says Blue and White must change path to get Arabs' backing

With Yisrael Beytenu's support, legislation preventing indicted MK from leading government will have majority in Knesset; secular, right-wing slate also pushes law for term limits

Yousef Makladeh says that many Arabs deserted Zionist parties for the alliance of Arab-majority factions, with party getting some 87% of votes cast by Arabs

At meeting of right-wing chiefs amid failure to clinch majority, Netanyahu says planned legislation undermines democracy; Gantz: 'Bibi, drink a glass of water and accept results'

Results highlight geographical polarization, with some parts of the country giving a clear lead to PM's party and others opting, albeit underwhelmingly, for its centrist rival