TV reports say Shas leader entered into shouting match with Likud chief, threatening to not enter coalition; Smotrich speaks of progress in talks

Likud says headway made 'on all issues' during 3-hour meeting with far-right leader, who has been accused of making excessive demands and has charged Likud trying to sideline party

Far-right MK expected to be part of new coalition argues that the military's gender affairs advisor 'inserts values that are foreign to the IDF'

Outgoing defense minister says PM-designate creating 'private army' for Ben Gvir, legitimizing 'de-facto annexation' concerns by granting authority over West Bank to Smotrich

But negotiations with Religious Zionism appear to remain stalled amid numerous disagreements

Military reporter Emanuel Fabian on bombings fallout and corpse recovery; political correspondent Tal Schneider on demise of Meretz; legal reporter Jeremy Sharon on override clause

Netanyahu and Deri said to aim to sign deal by Wednesday night, hoping 'rest of the parties will follow,' but Religious Zionism accuses Likud of trying to 'sideline' them

Smotrich's party says Netanyahu backed out of deal on division of portfolios, while latter denies, says PM-designate offered Smotrich to serve as treasury chief for half a term

In a sweeping release of policy priorities in coalition negotiations, Likud says it will also push to legalize settlements, reform judiciary and join US Visa Waiver Program

In first speech to 25th Knesset, presumed prime minister rejects 'moral preachings' of outgoing government, vows to 'preserve Israeli democracy and Israel'