Talks underway even before Netanyahu formally given mandate; Religious Zionism MKs say 'won't enter the coalition without one another' as Smotrich meets with Likud leader alone

Haredi party chairs to coordinate on issues regarding Jewish identity as ultra-Orthodox factions look likely to play major role on return to government; US envoy Nides phones Deri

He doesn't think math matters, says yeshiva students work harder than soldiers, has a ruthless reputation, lacks political experience -- and wants to be the next finance minister

With the Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael factions at odds over several issues, the opposition leader is worried they could split and potentially fall below electoral threshold

Yitzchak Goldknopf, known for network of educational institutions and chairing panel on Sabbath matters, will replace 23-year political veteran who resigned as part of plea deal