Attorney general writes in a legal opinion on deal that Israel's Basic Law for a referendum on conceding territory does not apply to the waters under dispute with Lebanon

Speaker says will convene plenum over holiday recess so MKs can look over US-brokered agreement 'as soon as possible,' as Lapid seeks to approve it via cabinet vote

Defense minister predicts accord to resolve dispute likely to be brought before Knesset to let public see details before finalizing, as official says cabinet will vote on it

Elyakim Rubinstein agrees to helm Senior Appointments Advisory Committee on ad-hoc basis, day after top court struck down selection of permanent appointee with elections nearing

Attorney general had sought to install Menahem Mazuz as permanent chair of the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, despite looming elections

Opponents say interim government shouldn't be allowed to make such key appointment; Gali Baharav-Miara says installing judge temporarily could erode committee's independence

Senior Likud members had claimed former PM planned to fire legal official installed by outgoing government if party won November elections

Senior MK for opposition chief's party says Gali Baharav-Miara should be replaced by someone 'whose worldview aligns with the right'; Likud says opinion is Barkat's alone

Finance minister suggests Netanyahu behind 'baseless' claim; legal experts say investigation unlikely; police official has called bizarre allegations 'odd, bordering on outlandish'

Petition rejected on technicality; attempt indicates officials pessimistic deal can be reached by Thursday, first day of school year