Lapid slams Blue and White for agreeing to allow PM 'to appoint the judges that will adjudicate his affairs'; Liberman: I welcome formation of government, but don't call it unity

Move comes after president said he'll return mandate to Knesset without tasking anyone if no deal by Monday; petition seeks to take PM out of running due to his corruption charges

Moshe Abutbul of Shas says Health Ministry told him that he and his son must isolate themselves after being near MRI technician with coronavirus

Likud gains 235,554 more votes than in last election, confirmed as largest party ahead of Blue and White with 33 seats

With 97% of count predicting PM-led political bloc slightly short of 61 seats, Likud leader sits down with party chiefs, who vow to form right-wing government

Official ballot count begins, set to extend throughout night; Netanyahu declares 'gigantic victory' for Israel

Supporters erupt in excitement after final surveys indicate ultra-Orthodox faction won 9 seats, right-wing bloc strengthened, while rival Liberman weakened

After hard-fought campaign seen as referendum on longtime leader’s rule, Likud predicted to win 36-37 seats, significantly more than Gantz’s Blue and White, with 32-33

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