Party to declare will only join government with Netanyahu at its head for full term or part of rotation as prime minster pivots away from leadership vote

Amid criminal probes and challenge from rival Sa'ar, PM urged to avoid flash leadership vote, as ministers warn he has much to lose in contest and little to gain

Associates of Netanyahu tell TV news party elections are far from a sure thing, after opponent Gideon Sa'ar announces plans to run

Prime minister does not mention possibly party leadership contest or Lapid unity offer in speech to newly sworn-in Knesset

As MKs take their vows of office for second time this year, president and Knesset speaker entreat leaders to bridge over their differences and find path to unity government

Accusing Netanyahu of pushing for 3rd elections, Blue and White No. 2 says 'It’s far more important to me that there be unity in the country'

During meeting of rightist bloc supporting Netanyahu, Yamina MKs Smotrich and Bennett said to agree to remain outside coalition if they're the obstacle to unity government

Likud says no decision on whether PM will declare failure to form a coalition early as party reaffirms pact with religious allies

Netanyahu has said he will meet Gantz in final coalition-building effort before returning mandate to president -- on same day his pre-indictment hearing in 3 criminal cases begins

Talks on a unity coalition are deadlocked, and may ultimately go nowhere. But Blue and White is being outmaneuvered and Likud is winning the PR battle, too