At meeting of right-wing chiefs amid failure to clinch majority, Netanyahu says planned legislation undermines democracy; Gantz: 'Bibi, drink a glass of water and accept results'

Unclear if initiative will be backed by all opposition parties, which combined have Knesset majority; also unclear if it's technically possible during transitional government

Tamar Zandberg and Itzik Shmuli lament Labor-Gesher-Meretz's projected 7 seats, though others praise merger for saving all three factions from falling under threshold

Official ballot count begins, set to extend throughout night; Netanyahu declares 'gigantic victory' for Israel

After hard-fought campaign seen as referendum on longtime leader’s rule, Likud predicted to win 36-37 seats, significantly more than Gantz’s Blue and White, with 32-33

After Liberman vows he's dropping unity bid and won't join Netanyahu, Gantz says he still needs to be largest party, with polls no longer showing it leading Likud

Board appoints ex-politician as CEO, marking his return to the industry; he previously led national phone company Bezeq

Centrist party looking to attract right-wing voters, increase left-wing parties' chances of entering Knesset, as it pressures Labor to merge with Meretz

Amir Peretz says if center-left fails to achieve Knesset majority in next election it may lead to 4th vote; Yisrael Beytenu MK says PM's primary win will drive voters to his party

Center-left party will again run on joint ticket with Orly Levy-Abekasis's party in March elections despite opposition from key MK