Finance minister to also raise some taxes, despite looming national elections; cuts come on top of billion shekel reduction to defense, education budgets

As he assigns cabinet portfolios, is the prime minister deliberately undermining senior Likud members who may pose a political threat?

Kushner tells Netanyahu that Washington waiting for additional replies from Arab countries, particularly Jordan and Egypt, before moving forward

MKs whose seats may now be in danger claim agreement that reserved 4 spots on slate for Kulanu MKs was approved without due process; float compromise arrangement

PM faces challenges from right and left, still faces tough task of cobbling together a coalition, should Likud gain most seats in September

Premier reportedly doing all he can to avoid snap polls, 24 hours before deadline; even if deal reached, lack of time will likely force him to hand URWP's Smotrich justice ministry

Addressing Likud secretariat before it votes to approve Kulanu merger, premier says that ‘the clearer it is that we are going to elections, the more likely it is that we won't’

Kahlon, formerly of the ruling party, to get 4 slots on slate in move infuriating some Likud MKs; premier's rivals within party prevented from leading faction if snap election held

Deal would give Moshe Kahlon four seats on right-wing party's slate, prompting speculation of revolt by Likud back-benchers, who may refuse to dissolve 21st Knesset

Yisrael Beytenu head is blocking PM's coalition by insisting more ultra-Orthodox men are enlisted. But it's only judicial oversight, which he opposes, that has kept his cause alive