The prime minister, used to playing the game at its most unscrupulous and predatory, may have crossed the line at which the effect of his vilification campaign is reversed

Yamina chair rips PM for holding Israel hostage, pushing for ‘5th, 6th, 7th election’; Netanyahu says Bennett cut a deal to be right-wing 'head of a pin' PM of left-wing coalition

Party assails Yamina chief as possessing 'uncontrollable ambition,' accuses him of joining with Lapid to bring down PM; Bennett, Netanyahu to speak to media later

After Islamist party backs opposition in key vote, Netanyahu again pitches special election for premier to resolve political deadlock; TV: Ra'am would likely oppose it, dooming bid

In last-minute ploy, Arab MKs reject PM's proposal for Arrangements Committee; Ra'am leader Abbas says move due to incitement from Netanyahu's far-right allies

Premier says 'moment of truth' has come for Yamina leader, claims 'overwhelming majority of the public' supports bid to hold an election for premier

Amid coalition talks with Likud, Yamina expected to side with opposition on formation of Arrangements Committee, which would give it 'maximum amount of power'

Negotiations are stuck as the PM grapples with a trust deficit -- even among his closest allies

Shas, UTJ said concerned premier's opponents will form government without them if he fails, upend religious status quo; TV: Likud offered Yamina the defense and foreign ministries

Negotiating teams from Likud and Yamina reportedly have been holding discussions for days, though prospect of government still slim