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

Legislation to set third national vote in under a year must pass four readings in parliament by midnight on Thursday

Yisrael Beytenu chief says if no is government formed in next 24 hours it'll be due to 'egos' of Gantz, Netanyahu

Yisrael Beytenu chief says only a broad, unity coalition can cope with security and economic challenges at hand, after PM appeals to him in last-ditch effort to avoid 3rd election

Yisrael Beytenu leader in interview with daily newspaper says he tried to pressure Likud, Blue and White to agree on shared rule but they wouldn't unite -- 'our hands are clean'

TV report lays out far-reaching deal said to be on table, which would include Netanyahu as PM for 3-6 months; Yisrael Beytenu said contemplating forcing unity on the sides

Party leader says hard to decide whether fresh elections or narrow coalition is worse, understands why his lawmakers 'rebelling' against Blue and White's conduct

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