A defiant Netanyahu vows to head new government, says right-wing parties have agreed to rally behind him and negotiate as one entity. "With God's help, we will create a stable government," he says.

"I have just instructed the secretary of the treasury to substantially increase sanctions on the country of Iran!," president writes. The move comes amid US assertions that the Islamic republic was behind Saturday's attack on Saudi oil facilities.

Will Rivlin tap Netanyahu or Gantz to form a government? What if both try and fail? Will another early election be called?

Far-right figurehead Itamar Ben-Gvir sends letter to party activists, lashing out at the mainstream Right and even the right-wing media, blaming them for "shooting at their own people."

If elections were only held in Tel Aviv, Benny Gantz would be prime minister, as Blue and White garners 37% of the vote in Israel's secular bastion. In Jerusalem, which has many more Orthodox Jews and right-wing voters, the governing party Likud got 23%, in virtual tie with ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism.