PM said seeking merger of rightist parties to prevent lost votes, Bennett says New Right to run alone; Sa'ar challenges Netanyahu to debate, warns he'll doom party to opposition

Survey also predicts Gideon Sa'ar would score far better for right-wing bloc than premier if he leads ruling party; however, all scenarios still show political stalemate persisting

But survey suggests 3rd round of voting in less than a year would fail to break political gridlock; majority say Netanyahu can't remain PM in light of graft charges

Aryeh Deri says bloc will work together head of new election, but predicts band of right-wing and religious parties may not last if it fails to clinch a majority this time around

Yisrael Beytenu leader accuses PM and Blue and White chief of playing 'blame game,' says his comment he would sign support for both was gambit to push unity

Shas and Yisraeli Beytenu leaders accuse each other of seeking to extort benefits for their constituencies in their talks with potential government partners

Right-wing lawmakers refuse to sign pledge for Netanyahu until Yisrael Beytenu does; Blue and White also racing for 61 signatures; another Likud MK expresses doubts about Netanyahu

Hours before Gantz's deadline to form a government, PM urges him to 'do the right thing,' drop partner Yair Lapid, and forge coalition with Likud

Leaked document shows far-reaching reforms Blue and White willing to support to entice Yisrael Beytenu, as clock winds down on coalition bid

But Yisrael Beytenu MK says Avigdor Liberman's party won't join coalition with right-wing and religious parties, still seeks unity government