Blue and White says Israel Katz to meet with defense minister on Sunday 'to present a budget for 2020-2021'; FM insists financial plan can be passed by December 23 deadline

Opposition motion passes 61-54 after support from Blue and White, but must still pass three more readings before new national vote called

Majority all but guaranteed for opposition bill after Blue and White pledges support; poll predicts government not headed by Netanyahu near-impossible in next Knesset

Defense minister says Blue and White will back motion to disband parliament; Netanyahu, by refusing to pass budget, 'decided to break up the coalition and drag Israel to elections'

But Likud minister says Gantz 'unworthy' of being PM; talks between coalition parties continue ahead of preliminary reading Wed. of bill dissolving Knesset, compromise unlikely

Economy Minister Peretz says state budget has been taken 'hostage' by Netanyahu, Welfare Minister Shmuli declares 'no point in continuing' unity coalition

Report claims Blue and White leader will announce decision sometime before motion comes up, but sides still may be holding out hope for compromise to stave off 4th poll in 2 years

Squabbling politicians leave famed Holocaust memorial and research center without funding -- and, come January, without a director

Blue and White head instructs party to advance contentious laws without backing of Likud in move that could bring down government; PM: 'We'll vote against elections, and for unity'

Second minister in Gantz’s party also confirms they’re weighing voting in favor of opposition’s no-confidence motion on Wednesday, which would topple coalition and trigger election