Special Coverage

Likud, the Religious Zionist Party, Shas and United Torah Judaism follow the script by recommending that the opposition leader be tapped to form the next government, leaving little doubt as to the outcome.

While the leaders of the right-wing bloc are all expected to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu, the situation in the Center-Left camp is more complex.

"We don't understand what's going on with him," a senior member of the emerging coalition tells Israel Hayom after incoming prime minister seeks to swear in government without written promise to reform judiciary.

Washington also says it will "closely monitor the government formation process" as Netanyahu works on forming a coalition that will likely include religious and far-Right parties.

Asserting that he and liberals "agree on 90% of issues", the right-wing lawmaker said he would not seek to impose religious law nor curb freedom of dissent, "and even if I'm not keen on the (gay pride) parade, I will ensure utmost protection for the men and women marching".

Lapid, at memorial event for Yitzhak Rabin, appeared to take aim at Religious Zionist Party, whose leaders have made repeated anti-Arab, anti-LGBTQ comments.

The new government will have no grace period. From an American point of view, Israel is the US’ss most important ally in the Middle East and its most worthwhile investment.

This time, the Likud leader's coalition is without Livni, Lapid, Kahlon or Gantz to stop him • The only problem is most likely to come from his own political backyard