Politicians from outgoing coalition say PM-designate putting Avi Maoz in charge of Israel's Jewish identity is a 'slap in the face,' could 'plunge Israel into the abyss'

Labor leader Michaeli slams far-right lawmaker, says incoming government is the real threat to Israel's democracy; Netanyahu defends Smotrich from online abuse from Likud activists

Rabbi Chaim Druckman insists individual private rights wouldn't be harmed, but conversion would only be allowed according to Orthodox standards and buses wouldn't run on Sabbath

Lapid seeks united opposition despite bad blood with partners following failed bid to remain in power; Netanyahu set to receive mandate to form coalition on Sunday

President will meet first with far-right factions according to schedule that starts with smallest parties and works up to the largest; Gantz and Liberman won't recommend Lapid

MK attacks decision to move matches to earlier hours during winter, though this happens every year; opponents say comments portend restrictive policies he plans to enact

Likud head will sit down with allies individually in Jerusalem, even before he is formally tasked with building new government; Deri reportedly offered first ministerial choice

Poor election showing shrinks left-wing representation from 13 to 4 seats in 25th Knesset; Michaeli accuses PM of 'irresponsibly' pushing Yesh Atid in front of bloc

After final vote tally announced, Likud leader to control a 64-seat bloc despite narrow lead in overall vote count, as both Meretz and Balad drop below electoral threshold

Left-wing party -- represented in consecutive parliaments since 1992 -- just 3,800 votes short of gaining entry; leader Zehava Galon decries 'disaster for the country'