With Yisrael Beytenu's support, Gantz could have more MKs backing him for PM than Netanyahu; law barring indicted MK - like Netanyahu - from leading government could have majority

While some attribute bump for Likud to annexation pledges, others say it had to do with allegiance to premier, who is seen as being under attack

Former defense minister issues mocking statement consisting of laughing emojis after Likud asks attorney general to expand Yisrael Beytenu corruption probe to include him

Likud gains 235,554 more votes than in last election, confirmed as largest party ahead of Blue and White with 33 seats

Ofer Shelah slams Likud leader for claiming votes for predominantly Arab party don't count; asserts that there's a majority in Knesset against 'Netanyahu state'

Trying to bend arithmetic to his needs, and opening a foundational debate, Netanyahu says Joint List of Arab parties has no place in the equation when determining the people's will

With 99.9% of ballots counted, Likud has 36 seats to Blue and White's 33; results unlikely to fluctuate further

Head of Joint List, on track to have 15 Knesset seats, reiterates refusal to allow Liberman to become minister, says Blue and White must change path to get Arabs' backing

With Yisrael Beytenu's support, legislation preventing indicted MK from leading government will have majority in Knesset; secular, right-wing slate also pushes law for term limits

Eyal Yinon says no new legislation may be submitted until parliament sworn in later this month, but Blue and White hadn't planned on lodging proposal before then