The rising tensions between Iran and the US increase chances of a flare-up in the Persian Gulf, something neither side wants. Israel must be vigilant and ensure that its interests are maintained.

"The great philosopher Plato said thousands of years ago that necessity is the mother of invention; this is exactly the story of the State of Israel," says Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin.

If Netanyahu doesn't have a trick up his sleeve he can pull out soon, it looks like Yisrael Beytenu's Avigdor Lieberman will succeed where Yair Lapid has failed.

Former Shin Bet security agency Director Yuval Diskin has been approached by Labor in a bid to signal to voters that the party plans to focus on diplomacy and security, as well as welfare, party insider says. Labor leader Amir Peretz says "absolutely no chance" of a merger with Meretz or former PM Barak's party.

The high-stakes sparring between Iran and the West is playing out while diplomats maneuver for the real prize: new negotiations to put tighter and longer-lasting wraps on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.