Amid criminal probes and challenge from rival Sa'ar, PM urged to avoid flash leadership vote, as ministers warn he has much to lose in contest and little to gain

Associates of Netanyahu tell TV news party elections are far from a sure thing, after opponent Gideon Sa'ar announces plans to run

Prime minister does not mention possibly party leadership contest or Lapid unity offer in speech to newly sworn-in Knesset

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

Focusing on rival party's economic plans rather than mudslinging, former Jerusalem mayor claims 'socialistic' Blue and White will take Israeli economy backwards