Draft of far-reaching agreement addresses many of the ultra-Orthodox party's demands on religion, welfare and education; includes a clause to support Likud-led judicial reform

Haredi faction said to win backing for barring energy creation on Shabbat, expanding gender-segregated beaches and much more, but Netanyahu's party denies agreeing to demands

With UTJ party pushing for blanket exemptions to military service for the ultra-Orthodox, Moshe Gafni calls for 'corps of Torah students,' citing biblical precedent

PM-designate said to shout at Gafni during meeting: 'Because of you there won't be a government!'; Haredi party says it will insist on legislative issues before signing

Haredi party says it signed agreement on jobs due to prime minister-designate's likely need to request a two-week extension from president, as December 11 deadline approaches

Gafni reassumes his longtime leadership of the Finance Committee, and Gallant takes on Foreign Affairs and Defense, while waiting to see if Defense Minister post available

Finance minister says action must be taken before government is sworn in after Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef backs bill, says it can be used to overturn rulings on Reform Judaism

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef backs demand by ultra-Orthodox, far-right members of likely next coalition, says bill can be used to overcome top court’s rulings on Reform Judaism

He doesn't think math matters, says yeshiva students work harder than soldiers, has a ruthless reputation, lacks political experience -- and wants to be the next finance minister

The Haredi political leadership is focusing its election campaign on cost-of-living concerns, and the imperative to keep its community loyal rather than drifting to the far-right