Israel

“I think whoever wins the election is going to be on great terms with the American president," says co-leader of the Blue and White party ahead of September 17 general election.

Visiting the city of Efrat in Gush Etzion, Netanyahu warns "only a big Likud" can prevent territorial concessions. "It’s us or them ... the only way to ensure the Right will continue to lead is to vote Likud," Netanyahu says.

Former Shin Bet security agency Director Yuval Diskin has been approached by Labor in a bid to signal to voters that the party plans to focus on diplomacy and security, as well as welfare, party insider says. Labor leader Amir Peretz says "absolutely no chance" of a merger with Meretz or former PM Barak's party.

Prime minister to match Ben-Gurion's 8,475 days in office on Friday, two months before he stands for election for the sixth time. Netanyahu became Israel's youngest-ever premier in 1996.

"This nation has extraordinary abilities in the economy, in defense and security, and in statesmanship. We have proven that Israel could be transformed from a small country in the corner of the Middle East into a major force on the global stage,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.

A former journalist, Shelly Yachimovich was elected to parliament in 2006 and served as Labor leader from 2011 to 2013. Yachimovich says she is "tired of the constant gamesmanship,” by which winning political battles is elected officials' primary objective rather than serving the public.

Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis says that under the Likud, Israel has always been a Jewish, democratic state, and will remain one.

Program, to be presented to the United Nations on Wednesday, aims to raise the number of students matriculating in higher levels of math in the Bedouin town of Rahat from the current level of only 15%.

PM Netanyahu reportedly proposed naming New Right chairman Naftali Bennett as Israel’s next ambassador to the United Nations if Bennett withdraws from the Sept. 17 elections. New Right: Party running in the elections, any other offer is irrelevant.

Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked warns Rafi Peretz that if he doesn't forgo the No. 1 slot, she will cast in her lot with other right-wing parties. Habayit Hayehudi rejects "ultimatum" out of hand.