In scathing interview, Yisrael Beytenu leader labels FM Katz 'a pathetic liar,' says PM incapable of friendship and loyalty

Validating report, Israel Katz says he met with top diplomats from Gulf countries in bid to 'end the conflict and enable civilian cooperation until the signing of peace agreements'

TV report says Foreign Minister Katz met several Gulf counterparts at UN last month, and they agreed to set up working teams to advance the deal; Greenblatt also in the loop

Culture minister says she backs Netanyahu 'no matter what'; MK Michal Shir says she would support PM's apparent rival Gideon Sa'ar in contest for party leader

Blue and White officials say Likud negotiating in bad faith; Ruling party says it's 'shocked,' urges rivals to reconsider; premier appears poised to return mandate to president

Netanyahu's party had said that if the meeting produces no result, he will likely tell president that he is unable to form a majority coalition; then it would be Gantz's turn

Netanyahu's party has already said that if the meeting produces no result, PM may tell president that he is unable to form a majority coalition

Likud says president's proposal in which power would be equally divided and Netanyahu and Gantz would each serve 2 years as PM is only realistic solution

Duda's office says Jewish Insider 'made up' a report according to which the president accused Jerusalem of responsibility for rising hate

In meeting with Jewish leaders in New York, Duda reportedly shocked attendees by suggesting offensive comments by Israeli FM were cause for rise in hate