Religious Zionist Party, Likud reportedly make headway as coalition deadline nears
Efforts between the two parties to strike a deal will continue on Monday, Likud says, but it is unclear if hot-button issue of defense portfolio has been resolved.
Special Coverage
Overcoming major hurdle, Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir reach coalition deal
Likud and Otzma Yehudit sign agreement giving Itamar Ben-Gvir the newly created position of national security minister.
'A good government will be sworn in within days'
Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich reportedly drops demand for defense portfolio in exchange for becoming finance minister, paving the way for Benjamin Netanyahu to establish a government.
Smotrich claims Netanyahu seeks 'surrender' to US on settlements
Israel Hayom reveals Religious Zionist Party leader reportedly conditioned support for new government on bolstering settlement enterprise but Netanyahu responded that Israel must go slow for the next two years, presumably referring to the potential change in US presidents.
'Israel is not Iran,' PM says after Israel Hayom reveals gender segregation plan
According to the two parties pushing these changes, a new law would let communities separate the two sexes even in cases where events and functions are funded by the state.
Likud says Smotrich will not get defense portfolio, even at expense of election
The Religious Zionist Party criticizes Benjamin Netanyahu for withholding the position from Smotrich, saying it is "strange" he is vetoing someone "who wants a true right-wing policy in security."
'Respect our democracy': Smotrich slams US over implied warning on defense portfolio
Disagreements over the post of defense minister have lead to an impasse in coalition negotiations, with Netanyahu attempting to assuage concerns over the matter, asking his supporters for "a little patience."
Israel's 25th Knesset sworn in
"Now the citizens of Israel expect you, all of us, to wake up every morning and look out for them," President Isaac Herzog says to the 120 new lawmakers after they take the oath of office.
Dershowitz says US-Israel ties could reach 'doomsday scenario'
The pro-Israel legal scholar spoke at a conference on the future of relations between the two countries. Israeli President Isaac Herzog told audience latest Thomas Friedman article does "grave injustice" to Israel.
Israel to swear in 25th Knesset ahead of Netanyahu's 6th term as PM
Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu had hoped to inaugurate the next Cabinet concurrently, but coalition negotiations have hit an impasse.