Agreement meant to protect operability of so-called kosher phones that run on older networks; Communications Ministry official says move will set Israel back years

Bid by Haredi party leader who did not serve in military for spot on high level defense panel drew fire from partners, opposition

As January 2 deadline approaches, the new coalition could be formed as early as Thursday; next phase of legislation demanded by parties expected to pass Monday

Coalition agreement with Haredi parties confirms 'grandchild clause' granting citizenship to anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent could be repealed, but it's not dead yet

Yitzhak Goldknopf's nonprofits said to have liaised between government and the groups actually running schools, taking a brokerage fee; report says he drew multiple large salaries

Journalist and activist recounts meeting PM-designate at training center, with him telling her not to believe reports on major concessions under coalition deals

10 senior Likud members still vying for high-ranking jobs with just six top ministries still free after coalition agreements with far-right, religious partners, says Israeli TV

Degel HaTorah, one of UTJ's 2 factions, decries deal with 2nd faction Agudat Yisrael as ignoring crucial issues, opposes party chair Goldknopf serving on security cabinet

Emerging deals between Likud and its political partners include agreements to allow death penalty for terrorists, weaken judiciary, hold gender-segregated public events

Draft of far-reaching agreement addresses many of the ultra-Orthodox party's demands on religion, welfare and education; includes a clause to support Likud-led judicial reform