President says 'nobody' will change Israel's Jewish and democratic character, after PA chief said he wouldn't recognize Jewish state; Liberman uses remark to assail ultra-Orthodox

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

Visiting Jordan Valley, Aryeh Deri lauds Netanyahu's 'vital and historic mission' ahead of unveiling of Trump peace plan; agencies won't confirm if administrative legwork underway

Appointees announced after Bitan, Cohen withdraw names from consideration following delays as top court questions the transition government's authority to fill cabinet posts

Under reported proposal backed by Likud's Zohar, Shas or UTJ will trade a ministerial post for Itamar Ben Gvir quitting; Netanyahu reportedly rejects letting Kahanist into cabinet

Yitzhak Cohen says he doesn't want to hurt chances of current minister getting another cabinet post, after top court questioned transition government's authority to name ministers

Some in Mandelblit's team reportedly skeptical about evidence provided by police in case against interior minister; decision expected within weeks

With 49 days till election, survey shows Blue and White expanding gap on Likud, but at expense of satellite parties, while right-wing religious parties appear stronger when divided

TV surveys have Likud slightly growing in strength following PM's announcement he'll ask Knesset for protection from graft charges; forecast continued deadlock after elections

New Right head issues ultimatum in bid to reform office held by Shas for years and bridge Orthodox-secular divide; made similar threat in 2015 without following through