Conversation comes as rare sign of possible progress in negotiations for emergency government, after sides hitherto talked up unity but failed to actually move toward it

With all of Gantz's options to form government reportedly blocked, proposal would see centrist party back Netanyahu's steps to curb virus while tightening its hold on Knesset

Blue and White could position itself as a responsible opposition by backing PM's virus crisis management, and fighting him on everything else. It could always depose him later

Dozens demonstrate against High Court's 'interference' after top legal body ordered speaker to hold vote on his replacement by Wednesday

After right-wing walkout on vote on crucial parliamentary committees, center and left MKs push ahead with creation of special panels

PM says differences small, urges Blue and White chief to meet him immediately to form coalition; Gantz insists on heading such a government

Members of Netanyahu's party lambaste High Court ruling ordering vote on new parliament speaker by Wednesday; some MKs urge defiance, others in Likud say decision must be respected

'I won’t agree to ultimatums,' Edelstein tells justices, rejecting their advisory position; says he will hold vote 'when the political situation becomes clear'

Justices issue damning unanimous ruling an hour after Netanyahu ally rebuffs its earlier position; if he says no again, Israel will be in constitutional crisis

Gantz-led bloc decries attack on democracy as members of Likud-led bloc advise Edelstein to ignore court and block vote in which Blue and White would gain control of Knesset agenda