Faction officials accuse MK Mansour Abbas of coordinating move with PM Netanyahu. Dismissing criticism, Abbas says meeting with officials from PM's office focused on efforts to promote plans to benefit the Arab sector, not the vote. "That is what matters right now to the Arab public, not petty politics," he says.
By joining the opposition in Wednesday's vote, Blue and White voiced its dissatisfaction with Netanyahu, accusing the prime minister of putting his own personal interests ahead of those of the country.
Defense minister says he will support motion to dissolve Knesset due to PM's alleged stonewalling on budget. Legislation could result in Israel's fourth election in two years.
With no budget in site and tensions between Likud and Blue and White on the rise, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid set to propose to disperse the Knesset. Netanyahu accuses opposition of "dragging the country into needless elections." Blue and White: Netanyahu is the one violating agreements. If there was no corruption trial, there would be a state budget.
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz reportedly tells Likud that PM Netanyahu has no reason to worry over the submarines probe, as the committee of inquiry was established to "placate his base."
PM: If Blue and White's attitude doesn't change, we'll hold elections
In radio interview, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak accuses PM Netanyahu of using Hitler-like tactics to remain in power. Likud: Barak has crossed all red lines.
Yamina leader accuses Likud, Haredi parties of undercutting right-wing bloc. Likud: Rather than forming a satellite party he should just join Yesh Atid. Over at Blue and White, party members seek ways to undermine Benny Gantz's control of the Knesset slate.
"On social issues and matters of religion and state, I am on the Right, for example. Therefore the correct position is that we are committed to serving the public that elected us," says Ra'am party leader MK Mansour Abbas.
A coalition composing Likud, Yamina and ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism could secure between 64 and 68 Knesset seats, meaning the right-wing bloc could form a government without a centrist party the likes of Blue and White.