Sa'ar, a former Likud challenger to Netanyahu who ran against him in the March 23 election and vowed not to sit in his government, may accept deal in which he would not have to sit under incumbent.
Shas leader Aryeh Deri says he "has no interest in becoming prime minister." Over on the Center-Left bloc, hiccups in negotiations have insiders warn that Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid's "amateurism will see Netanyahu remain in power."
A Midgam survey for "Meet the Press" finds that were elections held at this time, Likud would win 30 seats, but 43% of the public would hold PM Netanyahu responsible for their fifth trip to the polls in two years.
The new push to have a special vote just for prime minister would deliver the incumbent an easy victory, although it is unclear if this would end Israel's political paralysis.
How can one take you seriously if you contradict yourself?" Netanyahu laments after Yamina leader says he might partner with Left.
"Bennett refuses to support the only solution to the political deadlock that does not involve destroying the Right: a quick vote to elect a prime minister that does not involve the dissolution of the Knesset and another round of elections," Likud's statement says.
Ra'am says it will not support PM Benjamin Netanyahu's idea to hold a direct election for prime minister.
Likud suffers stinging defeat as Yesh Atid and Ra'am are able to wrestle control of a key committee that determines the legislative agenda until a new government is formed. "We understand that we are on the way to the opposition," Likud whip says.
Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich says will not yield to Likud's pressure to join a coalition supported by Ra'am. "If that's Likud's only strategy, Netanyahu shouldn’t waste any more time – he should give the mandate back now," he says.
Religious Zionist Party leader has no reason to oppose establishment of government reliant on Islamist party's outside support because Ra'am's demands serve Bezalel Smotrich's interests, Likud officials say.