PM fears that United Right, led by Ayelet Shaked, a popular ex-minister, could siphon votes away from Likud, and is concerned that other votes for fringe hardliners could be lost

Joint slate, to be called United Right, will recommend Netanyahu form next coalition, but excludes far-right Otzma Yehudit, leaving Likud fuming over prospect of wasted votes

New Right to get 4 of top 9 candidates on merged slate with URWP; parties agree to recommend Netanyahu as PM, will demand that Likud reserve spots for extremist Otzma Yehudit

Phone calls published by Channel 12 confirm PM's wife was urging Rafi Peretz's wife to keep her husband from conceding top spot

In effort to pressure Shaked's new bloc to fold in Otzma Yehudit as well, pair of ultra-nationalist-religious factions say agreement won't go into effect for another 36 hours

Union of Right-Wing Parties leader says he will let New Right chief head the joint slate, clearing key obstacle to unity deal; fringe far-right parties merge

New Right's No. 2 says proposed joint slate with other national-religious factions would form 'technical bloc' to help ensure all parties clear electoral threshold

Right-wing parties continue to disagree over who will lead a united slate; Channel 12 reports Peretz has threatened to quit if he loses lead spot -- he calls the claim 'drivel'

TV quotes Amir Peretz expressing willingness to join alliance if it'll secure center-left a majority of Knesset seats; Blue and White said to offer spot on slate to Labor's Shmuli

URWP No. 2 denies report saying Netanyahu is pushing for party to shun New Right ahead of elections, says they will definitely team up