Insisting their goal is to replace the current government, Yamina party officials say they declined Justice Ministry, Defense Ministry offers from source close to PM Netanyahu. Likud dismisses reports as "nonsense."
Citing a lack of leadership and Blue and White's poor standing in the polls, party member says Blue and White "must remain a governing alternative, and in its current composition, all of this is in question." Senior Likud official says Blue and White continues to insist on elections in March, "they'll be committing political suicide."
Gideon Sa'ar's resignation from the Likud and establishment of the New Hope party have made the right-wing camp more relevant than ever, leaving the other camp out in the cold. If this situation holds, we may yet see Telem head Moshe Ya'alon abandon his alliance with Lapid and join one of the parties on the Right.
Blue and White, Likud have stepped up efforts to salvage power-sharing deal and prevent Knesset dissolution after Gideon Sa'ar enters the race and forms new party to unseat Netanyahu.
Gideon Sa'ar's departure from the Likud could strengthen Netanyahu or bring Gantz closer to the premiership, or it could catapult Naftali Bennett into the prime minister's office.
Right slams lawmaker Gideon Sa'ar after he announces departure from Likud and creation of new new party aimed at unseating the prime minister.
Likud officials insist the party is still trying to reach a compromise with Blue and White but admit the coalition's chances of weathering the latest political crisis are slim.
Meanwhile, individuals who have spoken with former IDF chief Gadi Eizenkot tell Israel Hayom he is still undecided about entering politics at all, and in any case, his views coincide with center-right parties.
Between the stunning support MK Mansour Abbas has voiced for PM Netanyahu, the disappointment in Blue and White and the looming elections, the alliance comprising the Balad, Ra'am, Ta'al, and Hadash parties seems shakier than ever.
Three of Israel's top media strategists have sage advice to the leaders of the bigger political parties ahead of the next elections. Coronavirus, peace deal and budget debacle likely to take center stage in the upcoming campaign, as well as the question of who is responsible for dragging Israel into its fourth election in under two years, they predict.