Yoaz Hendel insists his statement on Israeli melting pot was not derisive, while right-wing and Arab politicians accuse him of racism and ignorance

Despite bump in support for Gantz and his allies, survey predicts Avigdor Liberman will retain his kingmaker status, potentially setting up further political stalemate

But release of US proposal, indictment of Netanyahu fail to break deadlock between rival Knesset blocs in trio of pre-election surveys

Expert says Gantz reaching out to Arab public could significantly affect voter turnout; MK says Joint List can win more votes by focusing on community's 'burning issues'

Nitzan Horowitz repeats criticism of transportation minister over report he canceled public transportation that coincided with Shabbat's start or end

Network surveys see Blue and White edging out Likud, but neither camp able to muster 61 seats without Avigdor Liberman, even if Otzma Yehudit somehow makes it into the Knesset

Issawi Frej accuses Meretz chief Horowitz, who brokered deal with Labor-Gesher, of acting against his party's principles; party spokesperson pushes back against rebuke

With only two days left until slates close for March election, small parties seek alliance to prevent loss of votes, but it is unclear if they can bridge their differences in time

But left-wing party reportedly doesn't expect MK to accept offer to return to Democratic Camp alliance in coming elections

Meretz chairman Nitzan Horowitz and Democratic Choice head Yair Golan agree to keep same positions on joint slate, but Green Party leader Stav Shaffir noticeably absent