Uncertainty over whether Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennet would joined a governing coalition persisted on Sunday. If he decides to join, it may mark end of the rule of Israel's longest-serving leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lawmakers opposed to right-wing Netanyahu were in intense talks ahead of a Wednesday deadline, as a ceasefire held following the latest deadly military conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu faces trail on fraud bribery and breach of trust charges. He denies those accusations. He has been able to cling to power through period of political turmoil. Israel has had four inconclusive elections in under two years.

After vote in March, Netanyahu's Likud party gained most seat but failed to form government again.&nbsp;

Former TV anchor Yair Lapid is now trying to build a rival coalition

Centrist Lapid has until Wednesday 11:59 pm local time (2059 GMT) to build a coalition of at least 61 deputies, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

The 57-year-old is seeking to forge a diverse alliance the Israeli media has dubbed a bloc for "change", which would include Bennett as well as Arab-Israeli lawmakers.&nbsp;

In his determination to bring down the hawkish prime minister, Lapid has offered to share power and let Bennett, 49, serve the first term in a rotating premiership.

Bennett was expected to speak Sunday evening after a meeting with his party, a spokeswoman said.

Netanyahu, in office for 12 consecutive years after an earlier three-year term, tried to cling to power Sunday by offering his own, last-ditch power-sharing agreement to several former allies including Bennett.

He warned that Israel would otherwise be ruled by a dangerous "left-wing" alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Uncertainty over whether Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennet would joined a governing coalition persisted on Sunday. If he decides to join, it may mark end of the rule of Israel's longest-serving leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Uncertainty over whether Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennet would joined a governing coalition persisted on Sunday. If he decides to join, it may mark end of the rule of Israel's longest-serving leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lawmakers opposed to right-wing Netanyahu were in intense talks ahead of a Wednesday deadline, as a ceasefire held following the latest deadly military conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu faces trail on fraud bribery and breach of trust charges. He denies those accusations. He has been able to cling to power through period of political turmoil. Israel has had four inconclusive elections in under two years. After vote in March, Netanyahu's Likud party gained most seat but failed to form government again. Former TV anchor Yair Lapid is now trying to build a rival coalition Centrist Lapid has until Wednesday 11:59 pm local time (2059 GMT) to build a coalition of at least 61 deputies, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The 57-year-old is seeking to forge a diverse alliance the Israeli media has dubbed a bloc for "change", which would include Bennett as well as Arab-Israeli lawmakers. In his determination to bring down the hawkish prime minister, Lapid has offered to share power and let Bennett, 49, serve the first term in a rotating premiership. Bennett was expected to speak Sunday evening after a meeting with his party, a spokeswoman said. Netanyahu, in office for 12 consecutive years after an earlier three-year term, tried to cling to power Sunday by offering his own, last-ditch power-sharing agreement to several former allies including Bennett. He warned that Israel would otherwise be ruled by a dangerous "left-wing" alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Domestic political bloc steps up efforts to oust Netanyahu

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reached Jerusalem after 11 days of rocket-fire & killings. The visit is aimed at 'cementing' the ceasefire. Palki Sharma asks: Can America really claim credit for peace?

Gravitas: Why is Antony Blinken in Israel?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that David Barnea would be the next head of Israel's Mossad espionage agency. The 56-year-old Barnea, a veteran of the organization, has been its deputy head for the last two years.

Israel appoints former top agent David Barnea as new Mossad chief

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, four days after Gaza ceasefire was announced. Blinken and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks and pledged to rebuilt Gaza together. Humanitarian aid and a long term peace deal are on their priority list.

Blinken pledges US support to rebuilt Gaza without helping Hamas

Blinken says US will tackle humanitarian crisis in Gaza without helping Hamas

Israel's president Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years.

"I have spoken to Yair Lapid and told him I am giving him the (28-day) mandate," President Reuven Rivlin said, adding that it was clear that the centrist former television anchor "has the best chance to form a government".

Lapid, 57, now has four weeks to build a coalition.

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Earlier in the day, President Rivlin met with Yesh Atid party's chairman, Lapid, and Yamina party's chairman, Naftali Bennett at the President's Residence.

At his request, the rest of the party leaders submitted their recommendations for the second mandate. Lapid received recommendations from 56 lawmakers and Bennett from only his party's seven, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Netanyahu, 71, who is facing trial on a series of graft charges, was tasked by President Rivlin to put together a government on April 6 following inconclusive polls, the fourth in the last two years.

The mandate given by Rivlin to Netanyahu to form a government expired on Tuesday at midnight with no breakthrough in coalition talks.

His Likud party emerged as the single largest party in the 120- member Parliament but did not have the necessary 61-member support to form a government. Likud had won 30 seats in the general election in March.

While tasking Netanyahu with the responsibility of forming the government, Rivlin had said that he was doing so reluctantly and also mentioned his "moral dilemma" given the court proceedings and lack of enough support for the Likud leader.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing.

President Rivlin's spokesman in a statement said: "Shortly before midnight, Netanyahu informed the President's Residence that he was unable to form a government and so returned the mandate to the president."

Rivlin on Wednesday contacted the parties represented in the Knesset (Israel's unicameral parliament) on the continuation of the process of forming a government.

The President met with Lapid and Bennett. Both reiterated their desire to be given the mandate to form the next government, press releases from the Presidency said.

The Blue and White party, headed by Defence Minister Benny Gantz had recommended that Lapid be granted the Presidential mandate to form a government, a spokesperson for the party said.

Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first chance to form a coalition after 52 members of parliament endorsed him as Prime Minister last month, compared to 45 for Lapid and a mere seven for Bennett.

Netanyahu failed to persuade Bennett to join him in a power-sharing agreement that would have seen the pair take turns as prime minister. Bennett had dismissed the offer, saying that even with his support Netanyahu could not muster a majority.

Likud blamed Bennett for foiling Netanyahu's chances by refusing to commit to a right-wing government, which would certainly have led to the formation of a government joined by additional members of parliament.

Though the right-wing bloc in the Israeli political spectrum has repeatedly garnered the majority seats in all the four elections, a lot of determined "friends turned foes" of Netanyahu have prevented a majority for him in the 120-member house.

Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having led five governments since 1996. The last, which saw him share power with the then-main Opposition party to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic, collapsed in December, triggering the latest elections.

Until any new government is agreed and sworn into office, Netanyahu remains Israel's Prime Minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's president Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years.

Israel's president Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years. "I have spoken to Yair Lapid and told him I am giving him the (28-day) mandate," President Reuven Rivlin said, adding that it was clear that the centrist former television anchor "has the best chance to form a government". Lapid, 57, now has four weeks to build a coalition. Earlier in the day, President Rivlin met with Yesh Atid party's chairman, Lapid, and Yamina party's chairman, Naftali Bennett at the President's Residence. At his request, the rest of the party leaders submitted their recommendations for the second mandate. Lapid received recommendations from 56 lawmakers and Bennett from only his party's seven, the Jerusalem Post reported. Netanyahu, 71, who is facing trial on a series of graft charges, was tasked by President Rivlin to put together a government on April 6 following inconclusive polls, the fourth in the last two years. The mandate given by Rivlin to Netanyahu to form a government expired on Tuesday at midnight with no breakthrough in coalition talks. His Likud party emerged as the single largest party in the 120- member Parliament but did not have the necessary 61-member support to form a government. Likud had won 30 seats in the general election in March. While tasking Netanyahu with the responsibility of forming the government, Rivlin had said that he was doing so reluctantly and also mentioned his "moral dilemma" given the court proceedings and lack of enough support for the Likud leader. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing. President Rivlin's spokesman in a statement said: "Shortly before midnight, Netanyahu informed the President's Residence that he was unable to form a government and so returned the mandate to the president." Rivlin on Wednesday contacted the parties represented in the Knesset (Israel's unicameral parliament) on the continuation of the process of forming a government. The President met with Lapid and Bennett. Both reiterated their desire to be given the mandate to form the next government, press releases from the Presidency said. The Blue and White party, headed by Defence Minister Benny Gantz had recommended that Lapid be granted the Presidential mandate to form a government, a spokesperson for the party said. Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first chance to form a coalition after 52 members of parliament endorsed him as Prime Minister last month, compared to 45 for Lapid and a mere seven for Bennett. Netanyahu failed to persuade Bennett to join him in a power-sharing agreement that would have seen the pair take turns as prime minister. Bennett had dismissed the offer, saying that even with his support Netanyahu could not muster a majority. Likud blamed Bennett for foiling Netanyahu's chances by refusing to commit to a right-wing government, which would certainly have led to the formation of a government joined by additional members of parliament. Though the right-wing bloc in the Israeli political spectrum has repeatedly garnered the majority seats in all the four elections, a lot of determined "friends turned foes" of Netanyahu have prevented a majority for him in the 120-member house. Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having led five governments since 1996. The last, which saw him share power with the then-main Opposition party to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic, collapsed in December, triggering the latest elections. Until any new government is agreed and sworn into office, Netanyahu remains Israel's Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel President Reuven Rivlin gives opposition chief Lapid mandate to form government

The mandate given by President Reuven Rivlin to Netanyahu to form a government expired on Tuesday at midnight with no breakthrough in coalition talks.

Benjamin Netanyahu again fails to form new Israeli government

A deadline for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government was set to expire at midnight in Israel with no sign on Tuesday that the country`s longest-serving leader could break more than two years of political deadlock.

There was also no guarantee that, should the right-wing leader fail to assemble a new coalition, parties outside his caretaker government could bridge political differences and unseat him.

Netanyahu, 71, has been in office since 2009 and also served for three years in the 1990s. He has been fighting for his political life through four inconclusive elections since 2019 and is on trial for criminal corruption charges he denies.

If Netanyahu fails to pull off any last-minute surprise by midnight, President Reuven Rivlin can assign the coalition-building task to another member of parliament. That is widely expected to be Yair Lapid, 57, whose centrist Yesh Atid party placed second to Netanyahu`s Likud in the March 23 vote.

KINGMAKERS

Netanyahu`s bloc of right-wing and Jewish religious parties failed to win a majority, but nor did a camp aiming to oust him, which would have to include his right-wing rivals as well as traditional left-wing and centrist opponents.

Both sides have courted the support of parties representing Israel`s around 20 per cent&nbsp;Arab minority, potentially giving them say over a cabinet for the first time in decades.

Naftali Bennett, head of the ultranationalist Yamina party, has emerged as a kingmaker. Bennett, 49, has voiced a preference to join Netanyahu but said he would seek a partnership with the prime minister`s opponents to avoid a fifth election as Israel reopens its economy after a swift COVID-19 vaccination rollout and grapples with the challenges of Iran`s nuclear programme.

A rotation deal in which Bennett and Lapid would alternate as prime minister has also been widely mooted.

Much of the political deadlock stems from Netanyahu`s legal troubles, with some prospective allies pledging they would not serve under a prime minister who is on trial.

Should a new nominee tapped by Rivlin fail to put together a coalition within 28 days, the president can ask parliament to agree a candidate within three weeks. If it cannot, Israel will hold another election.

"We are 60 per cent&nbsp;headed toward another election and 40 per cent&nbsp;toward a new government," Yoav Karkovsky, Kan public radio`s political affairs correspondent, forecast in a morning broadcast.

A deadline for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government was set to expire at midnight in Israel with no sign on Tuesday that the country`s longest-serving leader could break more than two years of political deadlock.

A deadline for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government was set to expire at midnight in Israel with no sign on Tuesday that the country`s longest-serving leader could break more than two years of political deadlock. There was also no guarantee that, should the right-wing leader fail to assemble a new coalition, parties outside his caretaker government could bridge political differences and unseat him. Netanyahu, 71, has been in office since 2009 and also served for three years in the 1990s. He has been fighting for his political life through four inconclusive elections since 2019 and is on trial for criminal corruption charges he denies. If Netanyahu fails to pull off any last-minute surprise by midnight, President Reuven Rivlin can assign the coalition-building task to another member of parliament. That is widely expected to be Yair Lapid, 57, whose centrist Yesh Atid party placed second to Netanyahu`s Likud in the March 23 vote. KINGMAKERS Netanyahu`s bloc of right-wing and Jewish religious parties failed to win a majority, but nor did a camp aiming to oust him, which would have to include his right-wing rivals as well as traditional left-wing and centrist opponents. Both sides have courted the support of parties representing Israel`s around 20 per cent Arab minority, potentially giving them say over a cabinet for the first time in decades. Naftali Bennett, head of the ultranationalist Yamina party, has emerged as a kingmaker. Bennett, 49, has voiced a preference to join Netanyahu but said he would seek a partnership with the prime minister`s opponents to avoid a fifth election as Israel reopens its economy after a swift COVID-19 vaccination rollout and grapples with the challenges of Iran`s nuclear programme. A rotation deal in which Bennett and Lapid would alternate as prime minister has also been widely mooted. Much of the political deadlock stems from Netanyahu`s legal troubles, with some prospective allies pledging they would not serve under a prime minister who is on trial. Should a new nominee tapped by Rivlin fail to put together a coalition within 28 days, the president can ask parliament to agree a candidate within three weeks. If it cannot, Israel will hold another election. "We are 60 per cent headed toward another election and 40 per cent toward a new government," Yoav Karkovsky, Kan public radio`s political affairs correspondent, forecast in a morning broadcast.

Netanyahu's deadline to form govt in Israel set to expire at midnight with no sign of progress

Israel's governmental watchdog agency said Monday it would launch an investigation into the deadly stampede at a religious festival over the weekend that left 45 ultra-Orthodox Jews dead.

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said his office, which audits the government, would look into the circumstances surrounding the event at Mount Meron in the Galilee region.

"I wish to announce today that I intend to open a special audit that will investigate the circumstances that led to this tragedy," he told reporters.

Englman said his report would focus on the actions of decision makers, police and rescuers in the field.

It was not immediately clear whether his announcement would end calls for an independent investigation.

Englman is seen as close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on the political support of ultra-Orthodox parties and whose government has come under fire for allowing the mass gathering. Englman said he has had no contact with Netanyahu recently.

Some 100,000 people, mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews, gathered for a Lag BaOmer festival at Mount Meron in northern Israel despite coronavirus restrictions limiting outdoor assemblies to 500 people and longstanding warnings about the safety of such gatherings.

The state comptroller's office, under one of Englman's predecessors, issued a pair of reports in 2008 and 2011 warning that the conditions at Mount Meron were dangerous.

Early Friday, thousands of people leaving one area of the site funneled through a narrow passageway descending the mountain. A slick slope caused people to slip and fall, resulting in a human avalanche that killed 45 people and and injured at least 150.

The tragedy brought renewed attention to Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, where many have flouted coronavirus restrictions over the past year and some leaders refuse to acknowledge the authority of the state.

According to Israeli reports, ultra-Orthodox leaders put heavy pressure on the government to allow last week's celebration to take place without any restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's governmental watchdog agency said Monday it would launch an investigation into the deadly stampede at a religious festival over the weekend that left 45 ultra-Orthodox Jews dead.

Israel's governmental watchdog agency said Monday it would launch an investigation into the deadly stampede at a religious festival over the weekend that left 45 ultra-Orthodox Jews dead. State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said his office, which audits the government, would look into the circumstances surrounding the event at Mount Meron in the Galilee region. "I wish to announce today that I intend to open a special audit that will investigate the circumstances that led to this tragedy," he told reporters. Englman said his report would focus on the actions of decision makers, police and rescuers in the field. It was not immediately clear whether his announcement would end calls for an independent investigation. Englman is seen as close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on the political support of ultra-Orthodox parties and whose government has come under fire for allowing the mass gathering. Englman said he has had no contact with Netanyahu recently. Some 100,000 people, mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews, gathered for a Lag BaOmer festival at Mount Meron in northern Israel despite coronavirus restrictions limiting outdoor assemblies to 500 people and longstanding warnings about the safety of such gatherings. The state comptroller's office, under one of Englman's predecessors, issued a pair of reports in 2008 and 2011 warning that the conditions at Mount Meron were dangerous. Early Friday, thousands of people leaving one area of the site funneled through a narrow passageway descending the mountain. A slick slope caused people to slip and fall, resulting in a human avalanche that killed 45 people and and injured at least 150. The tragedy brought renewed attention to Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, where many have flouted coronavirus restrictions over the past year and some leaders refuse to acknowledge the authority of the state. According to Israeli reports, ultra-Orthodox leaders put heavy pressure on the government to allow last week's celebration to take place without any restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli state watchdog to investigate religious festival stampede

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to sue his predecessor, Ehud Olmert, if he does not apologise for saying the Israeli leader's family suffers from mental illness.

A spokesman for the Netanyahu family confirmed Monday that the Netanyahus' attorney sent Olmert the letter of warning in advance of a possible defamation suit.

In an interview last week with Democrat TV, an Israeli news site, Olmert leveled criticism at Netanyahu and said that "what is irreparable is the mental illness of the prime minister, his wife and his son."

According to Channel 12 TV, a Netanyahu family attorney demanded that Olmert apologize within a week and pay 1 million shekels (USD 306,000) in damages or face a libel lawsuit.

Olmert showed no signs of backing down Monday, telling Channel 13 TV: "The time has come to tell this family: that's enough." Olmert preceded

Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister, but resigned in 2008 before he was formally indicted on corruption charges. He was convicted of fraud in 2014 and served most of a 27-month prison sentence.

Netanyahu is currently on trial for fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes, but denies any wrongdoing. He has refused to step down from office while under indictment.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to sue his predecessor, Ehud Olmert, if he does not apologise for saying the Israeli leader's family suffers from mental illness.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to sue his predecessor, Ehud Olmert, if he does not apologise for saying the Israeli leader's family suffers from mental illness. A spokesman for the Netanyahu family confirmed Monday that the Netanyahus' attorney sent Olmert the letter of warning in advance of a possible defamation suit. In an interview last week with Democrat TV, an Israeli news site, Olmert leveled criticism at Netanyahu and said that "what is irreparable is the mental illness of the prime minister, his wife and his son." According to Channel 12 TV, a Netanyahu family attorney demanded that Olmert apologize within a week and pay 1 million shekels (USD 306,000) in damages or face a libel lawsuit. Olmert showed no signs of backing down Monday, telling Channel 13 TV: "The time has come to tell this family: that's enough." Olmert preceded Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister, but resigned in 2008 before he was formally indicted on corruption charges. He was convicted of fraud in 2014 and served most of a 27-month prison sentence. Netanyahu is currently on trial for fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes, but denies any wrongdoing. He has refused to step down from office while under indictment.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu threatens defamation suit against predecessor

The March 23 election revolved around whether Netanyahu is fit to continue serving. His Likud party won the most seats, but no party won a governing majority of 61 seats in the Knesset.

Israeli president nominates Netanyahu to try and form government

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin&nbsp;nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to try to form a government after the latest inconclusive election, but voiced doubt that any lawmaker can forge a parliamentary majority.&nbsp;

The country's longest-serving leader, in power consecutively since 2009, now faces the tough challenge of enlisting enough allies for a governing coalition.

Under the law, Netanyahu will have 28 days to do so, with the possibility of a two-week extension before President Reuven Rivlin picks another candidate or asks parliament to choose one. Continued deadlock could ultimately result in a new election.

On Monday, President Reuvin Rivlin held the traditional round of consultations that follow each Israeli election, seeking recommendations from party representatives on who they want to form a government.&nbsp;

Rivlin said his consultations, "lead me to believe that no candidate has a realistic chance of forming a government that will have the confidence of the Knesset."

He noted that he was legally bound to make the nomination nonetheless.

Israel's election on March 23, its fourth in two years, ended with neither a Netanyahu-led right-wing and religious bloc nor a prospective alliance of his opponents capturing a parliamentary majority.

In consultations Rivlin held with political parties on Monday on granting the coalition-building mandate, Netanyahu received more endorsements than his challengers, but was still short of a majority in the legislature.

In his televised remarks, Rivlin said that under&nbsp;Israeli law, Netanyahu, as the current prime minister, was not disqualified from being assigned the task despite his indictment on corruption charges.

Rivlin made the announcement as Netanyahu's trial entered its second day in a Jerusalem courthouse.

Charged with bribery, breach of trust and fraud, Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, accusing the prosecution of an "attempted coup" aimed at ousting a "strong, right-wing prime minister".

"The president fulfilled his duty and he had no choice, but granting Netanyahu the mandate is a shameful stain on&nbsp;Israel," Netanyahu's strongest rival, centrist politician Yair Lapid, said.

Netanyahu, backed by 52 of parliament's 120 members, has tried to break the stalemate by urging two right-wing rivals - former defence chief Naftali Bennett and veteran politician Gideon Saar - to join him in a conservative government.

Bennett, who heads the Yamina party, has been non-committal. Saar, leader of the New Horizon faction, has publicly ruled out serving under Netanyahu, saying a change in national leadership was imperative.

Lapid, who heads the Yesh Atid party, said on Monday he had proposed a coalition deal to Bennett. Under the arrangement, Bennett would serve first as prime minister and then Lapid would take over.

Bennett made no immediate comment about Lapid's offer. Political commentators said such a deal might also pave the way for Saar to join Lapid, with the prospect of Bennett, a fellow conservative, at the helm.

If Netanyahu fails to form a majority government within his negotiating window, Rivlin will likely turn to Lapid.&nbsp;

If neither Netanyahu nor his rivals manage to form a government, voters could be asked to return to the polls for a fifth election in barely two years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to try to form a government after the latest inconclusive election, but voiced doubt that any lawmaker can forge a parliamentary majority.

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to try to form a government after the latest inconclusive election, but voiced doubt that any lawmaker can forge a parliamentary majority. The country's longest-serving leader, in power consecutively since 2009, now faces the tough challenge of enlisting enough allies for a governing coalition. Under the law, Netanyahu will have 28 days to do so, with the possibility of a two-week extension before President Reuven Rivlin picks another candidate or asks parliament to choose one. Continued deadlock could ultimately result in a new election. On Monday, President Reuvin Rivlin held the traditional round of consultations that follow each Israeli election, seeking recommendations from party representatives on who they want to form a government. Rivlin said his consultations, "lead me to believe that no candidate has a realistic chance of forming a government that will have the confidence of the Knesset." He noted that he was legally bound to make the nomination nonetheless. Israel's election on March 23, its fourth in two years, ended with neither a Netanyahu-led right-wing and religious bloc nor a prospective alliance of his opponents capturing a parliamentary majority. In consultations Rivlin held with political parties on Monday on granting the coalition-building mandate, Netanyahu received more endorsements than his challengers, but was still short of a majority in the legislature. In his televised remarks, Rivlin said that under Israeli law, Netanyahu, as the current prime minister, was not disqualified from being assigned the task despite his indictment on corruption charges. Rivlin made the announcement as Netanyahu's trial entered its second day in a Jerusalem courthouse. Charged with bribery, breach of trust and fraud, Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, accusing the prosecution of an "attempted coup" aimed at ousting a "strong, right-wing prime minister". "The president fulfilled his duty and he had no choice, but granting Netanyahu the mandate is a shameful stain on Israel," Netanyahu's strongest rival, centrist politician Yair Lapid, said. Netanyahu, backed by 52 of parliament's 120 members, has tried to break the stalemate by urging two right-wing rivals - former defence chief Naftali Bennett and veteran politician Gideon Saar - to join him in a conservative government. Bennett, who heads the Yamina party, has been non-committal. Saar, leader of the New Horizon faction, has publicly ruled out serving under Netanyahu, saying a change in national leadership was imperative. Lapid, who heads the Yesh Atid party, said on Monday he had proposed a coalition deal to Bennett. Under the arrangement, Bennett would serve first as prime minister and then Lapid would take over. Bennett made no immediate comment about Lapid's offer. Political commentators said such a deal might also pave the way for Saar to join Lapid, with the prospect of Bennett, a fellow conservative, at the helm. If Netanyahu fails to form a majority government within his negotiating window, Rivlin will likely turn to Lapid. If neither Netanyahu nor his rivals manage to form a government, voters could be asked to return to the polls for a fifth election in barely two years. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel president invites Netanyahu to form next government

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in court on Monday for his corruption trial -- for the prosecution's opening arguments in the case where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu has denied all these allegations.

While lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari will be laying out the criminal case against Israel's longest-serving leader, across the city President Reuven Rivlin will hold discussions that could determine Netanyahu's political fate.

In the recently held polls, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first, winning 30 seats in the 120-member parliament, but his ability to form a stable governing coalition is precarious, a reality that has plagued him for several years.

Rivlin on Monday begins two days of consultations with party officials to determine who has a plausible path towards a 61-seat majority, in a parliament bitterly divided between those who back Netanyahu and those committed to ending his 12-year tenure. He will give a 28-day window to form a government to the leader with most recommendations from individual lawmakers.

Netanyahu is expected to get support from his 30 Likud loyalists, 16 lawmakers representing Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, and six votes from the far-right Religious Zionism alliance. That makes a likely total of 52, nine short of the absolute majority needed.

In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, headed by Mansour Abbas, who controls four seats.

Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes.

It is also far from certain that the anti-Netanyahu bloc can coalesce, raising the prospect of a fifth election in less than three years.

The trial enters a more intensive, evidentiary phase on Monday but a ruling is still several months off.

Judges have said Netanyahu can leave the courtroom after the opening arguments, when the witness testimony begins. No quick resolution is expected.

Netanyahu would not be compelled to resign as prime minister unless he is convicted with all appeals exhausted. That could take several years.

Netanyahu was formally charged last year with accepting improper gifts, and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

Anti-Netanyahu protesters, who dub him the "Crime Minister", surrounded the court ahead of his last appearance in February, and are expected to do so again on Monday.

(with inputs from AFP)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in court on Monday for his corruption trial -- for the prosecution's opening arguments in the case where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in court on Monday for his corruption trial -- for the prosecution's opening arguments in the case where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu has denied all these allegations. While lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari will be laying out the criminal case against Israel's longest-serving leader, across the city President Reuven Rivlin will hold discussions that could determine Netanyahu's political fate. In the recently held polls, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first, winning 30 seats in the 120-member parliament, but his ability to form a stable governing coalition is precarious, a reality that has plagued him for several years. Rivlin on Monday begins two days of consultations with party officials to determine who has a plausible path towards a 61-seat majority, in a parliament bitterly divided between those who back Netanyahu and those committed to ending his 12-year tenure. He will give a 28-day window to form a government to the leader with most recommendations from individual lawmakers. Netanyahu is expected to get support from his 30 Likud loyalists, 16 lawmakers representing Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, and six votes from the far-right Religious Zionism alliance. That makes a likely total of 52, nine short of the absolute majority needed. In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, headed by Mansour Abbas, who controls four seats. Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes. It is also far from certain that the anti-Netanyahu bloc can coalesce, raising the prospect of a fifth election in less than three years. The trial enters a more intensive, evidentiary phase on Monday but a ruling is still several months off. Judges have said Netanyahu can leave the courtroom after the opening arguments, when the witness testimony begins. No quick resolution is expected. Netanyahu would not be compelled to resign as prime minister unless he is convicted with all appeals exhausted. That could take several years. Netanyahu was formally charged last year with accepting improper gifts, and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. Anti-Netanyahu protesters, who dub him the "Crime Minister", surrounded the court ahead of his last appearance in February, and are expected to do so again on Monday. (with inputs from AFP)

Israel PM Netanyahu due in court as coalition talks ramp up

Mr Netanyahu's rivals fear that if he remains prime minister he will push through legislation that would grant him immunity from prosecution while in office.

Israel PM Netanyahu's trial resumes over bribery & corruption case

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial is all set to resume. Netanyahu have arrived in the court to attend the statement of the trial.

Netanyahu Corruption Trial: Israeli PM to attend opening statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties on Wednesday to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week.

The vote, Israel's fourth in two years, delivered the veteran premier's Likud 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, making it the biggest party -- but a majority of 61 is required to form a government.

Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, faces a bloc of 57 lawmakers led by centrist part Yesh Atid, who are seeking to end his record-breaking 12 years in power.&nbsp;

Both camps are short of an overall majority, and Netanyahu is reaching out to small, undeclared parties which could take his government over the line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-to-rivals-come-back-home-align-with-me-374666">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-to-rivals-come-back-home-align-with-me-374666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a brief televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted that "the people have given a majority to the right, with 65 seats" and urged undecided right-wing leaders to "come back home" and join a coalition.

"Let's put our differences aside to form, together, a stable government of the right, as the people want," he said.

The hard-right Yamina party of Naftali Bennett, with seven seats, could potentially join the six lawmakers of the New Hope party of Gideon Saar to help the premier form a majority.

Both Bennett and Saar are former Netanyahu allies.

Saar has repeatedly ruled out joining a Netanyahu administration, tweeting again on Wednesday that he would "neither join nor support a government led by Netanyahu".

Bennett has yet to say whether he would join a government led by his former boss.

Yamina said in a statement Wednesday that Bennett would "make every effort to form a stable government to save Israel from chaos".

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin said Monday he would pick a candidate by April 7 to form the next government.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties on Wednesday to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties on Wednesday to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week. The vote, Israel's fourth in two years, delivered the veteran premier's Likud 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, making it the biggest party -- but a majority of 61 is required to form a government. Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, faces a bloc of 57 lawmakers led by centrist part Yesh Atid, who are seeking to end his record-breaking 12 years in power. Both camps are short of an overall majority, and Netanyahu is reaching out to small, undeclared parties which could take his government over the line. Watch | In a brief televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted that "the people have given a majority to the right, with 65 seats" and urged undecided right-wing leaders to "come back home" and join a coalition. "Let's put our differences aside to form, together, a stable government of the right, as the people want," he said. The hard-right Yamina party of Naftali Bennett, with seven seats, could potentially join the six lawmakers of the New Hope party of Gideon Saar to help the premier form a majority. Both Bennett and Saar are former Netanyahu allies. Saar has repeatedly ruled out joining a Netanyahu administration, tweeting again on Wednesday that he would "neither join nor support a government led by Netanyahu". Bennett has yet to say whether he would join a government led by his former boss. Yamina said in a statement Wednesday that Bennett would "make every effort to form a stable government to save Israel from chaos". Israel's President Reuven Rivlin said Monday he would pick a candidate by April 7 to form the next government.

Israel's Netanyahu urges right-wing parties to form coalition

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to two right-wing rivals to "come back home" and align themselves with him again to break a deadlock following Israel's inconclusive election last week.

Netanyahu to rivals: Come back home, align with me

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate.

After hearing the parties' recommendations, President Reuven Rivlin will assign the coalition-building task to one of the candidates by April 7, a spokesman said.

A final tally from the March 23 election showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and kindred factions in control of 52 seats in the 120-member parliament. A potential opposition grouping took 57 seats.

With no easy path to a governing majority, Netanyahu's political fate may depend on the leaders of two wild-card parties, the far-right Yamina led by ex-defence minister Naftali Bennett and an Arab Islamist faction led by Mansour Abbas.

A patchwork opposition bloc of left-wing, centrist and rightist parties that also came up short of a majority has made no announcement of any formal alliance or who might lead it.

Of all the potential parties in such a coalition, centrist Yesh Atid, headed by former finance minister Yair Lapid, won the most legislative seats, 17, in last Tuesday's vote.

Likud captured the most seats in the election, 30, but Rivlin is under no legal obligation to task Netanyahu with putting together a government and can pick another candidate instead on the basis of the parties' recommendations.

Whoever Rivlin nominates will have up to 42 days to try to form an administration before the president assigns the task to someone else. If the second candidate fails, Rivlin can ask parliament to try to choose someone. If that proves unsuccessful, Israel would head into a fifth election.

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate.

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate. After hearing the parties' recommendations, President Reuven Rivlin will assign the coalition-building task to one of the candidates by April 7, a spokesman said. A final tally from the March 23 election showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and kindred factions in control of 52 seats in the 120-member parliament. A potential opposition grouping took 57 seats. With no easy path to a governing majority, Netanyahu's political fate may depend on the leaders of two wild-card parties, the far-right Yamina led by ex-defence minister Naftali Bennett and an Arab Islamist faction led by Mansour Abbas. A patchwork opposition bloc of left-wing, centrist and rightist parties that also came up short of a majority has made no announcement of any formal alliance or who might lead it. Of all the potential parties in such a coalition, centrist Yesh Atid, headed by former finance minister Yair Lapid, won the most legislative seats, 17, in last Tuesday's vote. Likud captured the most seats in the election, 30, but Rivlin is under no legal obligation to task Netanyahu with putting together a government and can pick another candidate instead on the basis of the parties' recommendations. Whoever Rivlin nominates will have up to 42 days to try to form an administration before the president assigns the task to someone else. If the second candidate fails, Rivlin can ask parliament to try to choose someone. If that proves unsuccessful, Israel would head into a fifth election.

Israel's president to pick candidate next week to try to form government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party.

Partial tallies from Tuesday's ballot showed Netanyahu's conservative Likud and ideologically kindred factions short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset - raising the possibility he would seek some sort of accommodation with the United Arab List.

The central election committee said it had counted nearly 100 per cent of the ballots from Tuesday's vote, with the results indicating a 59-seat bloc for the right-wing and religious parties that would join a Netanyahu-led coalition, two seats short of a majority.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-netanyahu-falls-short-of-majority-amid-vote-count-in-israeli-elections-372896">Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections</a>

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving premier after 12 years in power, had hoped Tuesday's election would finally allow him to unite a stable right-wing coalition behind him, after three inconclusive elections since 2019.

While political commentators saw the inclusion of the UAL - which was forecast to win four seats - in a Netanyahu-led government as unlikely, some predicted the party might instead pledge not to support any opposition no-confidence motions.

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In exchange for such protection from an unlikely ally, Netanyahu would agree on measures to improve conditions for Israel's 21% Arab minority, the commentators said.

But Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party run by Jewish settlers and forecast to take six seats, indicated Netanyahu could not rely on its support if he reached an arrangement with the UAL, which has pro-Palestinian sympathies.

"No rightist government predicated on UAL will arise. Period. Not (with UAL) on the inside, nor the outside, not through abstention, nor through some other kind of (scheme)," Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich said on Facebook.

UAL has signalled openness to back the next government, whether under Netanyahu or his centrist rival Yair Lapid, who with like-minded politicians appears set to control 57 seats.

A Netanyahu-led coalition that includes Religious Zionism controls 52 seats, the partial results show.

"Sometimes coalitions include people who don't really like each other," UAL's Waleed Taha told Israel's Army Radio.

He said his party was not, at this time, "talking about improving our personal roles" - an allusion to cabinet posts.

Asked if UAL might, from the opposition, provide ad-hoc parliamentary support for a Netanyahu-led coalition with Religious Zionism, Taha said the onus was on the far-rightists.

"If it is acceptable, to the people that you mentioned, that all of the subjects that we raise are accepted, then it would appear they have changed their stripes," he said.

Another potential kingmaker, former defence minister Naftali Bennett, whose nationalist Yamina party appears to have won seven seats, has been non-committal on which way it may swing.

Final results in the politically polarised country's fourth election in two years were expected to be announced late on Thursday or on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party. Partial tallies from Tuesday's ballot showed Netanyahu's conservative Likud and ideologically kindred factions short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset - raising the possibility he would seek some sort of accommodation with the United Arab List. The central election committee said it had counted nearly 100 per cent of the ballots from Tuesday's vote, with the results indicating a 59-seat bloc for the right-wing and religious parties that would join a Netanyahu-led coalition, two seats short of a majority. Also read| Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving premier after 12 years in power, had hoped Tuesday's election would finally allow him to unite a stable right-wing coalition behind him, after three inconclusive elections since 2019. While political commentators saw the inclusion of the UAL - which was forecast to win four seats - in a Netanyahu-led government as unlikely, some predicted the party might instead pledge not to support any opposition no-confidence motions. In exchange for such protection from an unlikely ally, Netanyahu would agree on measures to improve conditions for Israel's 21% Arab minority, the commentators said. But Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party run by Jewish settlers and forecast to take six seats, indicated Netanyahu could not rely on its support if he reached an arrangement with the UAL, which has pro-Palestinian sympathies. "No rightist government predicated on UAL will arise. Period. Not (with UAL) on the inside, nor the outside, not through abstention, nor through some other kind of (scheme)," Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich said on Facebook. UAL has signalled openness to back the next government, whether under Netanyahu or his centrist rival Yair Lapid, who with like-minded politicians appears set to control 57 seats. A Netanyahu-led coalition that includes Religious Zionism controls 52 seats, the partial results show. "Sometimes coalitions include people who don't really like each other," UAL's Waleed Taha told Israel's Army Radio. He said his party was not, at this time, "talking about improving our personal roles" - an allusion to cabinet posts. Asked if UAL might, from the opposition, provide ad-hoc parliamentary support for a Netanyahu-led coalition with Religious Zionism, Taha said the onus was on the far-rightists. "If it is acceptable, to the people that you mentioned, that all of the subjects that we raise are accepted, then it would appear they have changed their stripes," he said. Another potential kingmaker, former defence minister Naftali Bennett, whose nationalist Yamina party appears to have won seven seats, has been non-committal on which way it may swing. Final results in the politically polarised country's fourth election in two years were expected to be announced late on Thursday or on Friday.

Israeli far-rightists clouding Netanyahu coalition prospects

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that over 50 per cent of its population of 9.2 million have received both doses of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, a milestone that has continued to put the country much ahead of other nations in the vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The country's stellar fight to curb <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19 </a>has also been rewarded in this week's general election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party won the most seats, but failed to get a majority.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Health Minister Yuli Edelstein in a statement announced the milestone and a continuous drop in new cases and asked people "to follow (health) guidelines so that the coronavirus does not return".

Israel, which faced three lockdowns, has a Covid-19 death toll of 6,157 and the positivity rate on Thursday stood at 1.1 per cent, a drop of about 6 per cent a month ago.&nbsp;

As many as 482 patients were in serious condition as of Thursday compared to more than 800 in late February.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/israel-opts-for-drive-thru-voting-for-covid-positive-people-372507">Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people</a>

Israel has faced a lot of international criticism for not sharing enough of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to Palestine, for which the Jewish country claims that Palestinians are responsible for such health measures.&nbsp;

Over 100,000 Palestinian workers with permits to enter Israel or Jewish areas in the West Bank have been inoculated by Israel.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that over 50 per cent of its population of 9.2 million have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, a milestone that has continued to put the country much ahead of other nations in the vaccination drive.

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that over 50 per cent of its population of 9.2 million have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, a milestone that has continued to put the country much ahead of other nations in the vaccination drive. The country's stellar fight to curb Covid-19 has also been rewarded in this week's general election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party won the most seats, but failed to get a majority. Watch | Health Minister Yuli Edelstein in a statement announced the milestone and a continuous drop in new cases and asked people "to follow (health) guidelines so that the coronavirus does not return". Israel, which faced three lockdowns, has a Covid-19 death toll of 6,157 and the positivity rate on Thursday stood at 1.1 per cent, a drop of about 6 per cent a month ago. As many as 482 patients were in serious condition as of Thursday compared to more than 800 in late February. Also read | Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people Israel has faced a lot of international criticism for not sharing enough of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to Palestine, for which the Jewish country claims that Palestinians are responsible for such health measures. Over 100,000 Palestinian workers with permits to enter Israel or Jewish areas in the West Bank have been inoculated by Israel.

Israel continues to march ahead in vaccination drive as over 50% of population inoculated

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s prospects for another term looked uncertain after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Israel Election: Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count

In Israel, counting of votes is presently underway. In the fourth general election that has been held in the state of Israel in the last two years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chances of retaining power remain uncertain for the fourth straight time.

Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls for 'stable government'

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazil recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths on a single day as the country's health services reached breaking point due to the pandemic. The country's health ministry said 3,251 fatalities were recorded in 24 hours with the death toll in the country climbing to nearly 299,000 along with over 12.1 million coronavirus cases.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tested-two-short-range-missiles-white-house-372639">North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House</a>

<img alt="Kim Jong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b12a7e42-5f3b-4b27-bd0f-d9ae5bea1a9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jj.jpg" />

The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-claims-victory-in-israel-election-but-majority-uncertain-372641">Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain</a>

<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd5b15d-118a-4728-9693-f4a3a98de31a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IS1.jpg" />

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-soon-pass-brazil-records-over-3000-covid-19-deaths-in-single-day-372647">'It will soon pass': Brazil records over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in single day</a>

<img alt="Bolsonaro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27d31cb3-14af-4bc5-8bcd-3b0becae3896" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/rIO.jpg" />

On Tuesday, Bolsonaro swore in&nbsp;Marcelo Queiroga&nbsp;as his fourth health minister since the pandemic. Queiroga replaced Army general Eduardo Pazuello.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

<img alt="pUTIN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42b9a9df-bed0-4232-955c-b03b2dea4d21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PUTIN22.jpg" />

The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-crackdown-turns-ugly-372628">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas - Myanmar crackdown turns ugly</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-crackdown-turns-ugly-372628/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials.

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority. Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Meanwhile, Brazil recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths on a single day as the country's health services reached breaking point due to the pandemic. The country's health ministry said 3,251 fatalities were recorded in 24 hours with the death toll in the country climbing to nearly 299,000 along with over 12.1 million coronavirus cases. North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages. Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. 'It will soon pass': Brazil records over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in single day On Tuesday, Bolsonaro swore in Marcelo Queiroga as his fourth health minister since the pandemic. Queiroga replaced Army general Eduardo Pazuello. Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs. Watch: Gravitas - Myanmar crackdown turns ugly

Morning news brief: North Korea tests missiles again, Israel elections & more!

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu's prospects for another term looked uncertain on Wednesday after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Netanyahu's Likud party has emerged as the single largest with 30 seats, but the right-wing bloc led by the 71-year-old leader still does not have the 61-seat majority needed to form a coalition in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament).

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The election turnout of 67.2 per cent was a drop of 4.3 per cent since last March's election when the turnout was 71.5 per cent and the lowest of the four elections of the past two years.

Not even his stewardship of Israel’s world-beating COVID-19 vaccination rollout - a central pillar of his campaign - proved enough for&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;to break through the political deadlock that has seen four elections in two years.

With about 88 per cent&nbsp;of votes counted it appeared that&nbsp;Netanyahu, 71, would have to cobble together a coalition from a combination of right-wing allies, ultra-Orthodox parties, ultra-nationalists, Arabs and defectors to secure another term.

Should a hard-right government emerge, it would likely be at loggerheads with the Democratic administration of US&nbsp;President Joe Biden over issues such as Palestinian statehood and US&nbsp;engagement with Israel's arch-enemy Iran over its nuclear programme.

Some centre-left parties made a better showing than expected after highlighting longstanding corruption allegations against&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;- which he denies - and accusing him of mishandling the early months of the pandemic.

But like&nbsp;Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc it fell short of a governing majority in the 120-member parliament. And it has a less clear route to forming a coalition, having to unite parties from different wings of the political spectrum.

Immediately after polls closed on Tuesday,&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;claimed victory and said he hoped to form a "stable right-wing government". But as first results trickled in and seemed to shift against him, he did not repeat the claim in his televised post-election speech.

One potential kingmaker is Naftali Bennett, 48, a former defence minister who favours annexing parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Bennett's hawkish Yamina party is projected to win seven seats. He remained non-committal after the vote, saying only he would do "what is good for Israel".

Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, predicted political paralysis and said a fifth national election was possible.

"It seems quite clear that Israelis are split right down the middle with respect to the main question that divides Israeli politics, which is pro and against Mr&nbsp;Netanyahu," he said.

"The period of uncertainty, deadlock and paralysis is expected to accompany us for the foreseeable future."

Visting Tubas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the outcome "does not really give any hope for peace" and that the Israeli political system had shifted to the right.

"What is needed really from the future prime minister of Israel is somebody who is ready to stand up and say that he is ready to end occupation," Shtayyeh told Reuters. "We have to break this status quo."

Netanyahu&nbsp;has sealed historic deals with several Arab nations to normalise ties, but Israel and the Palestinians have not held direct negotiations since 2014 when peace talks broke down. Each side accuses the other of intransigence over core issues such as Jerusalem and Jewish settlements.

Horse-trading

Tuesday's vote followed three inconclusive elections in which neither&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;nor his centre-left opponents won a stable majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu's Likud is now projected to emerge as the largest party with 30 seats, down from 36. The opposition centrist party Yesh Atid, headed by Yair Lapid, is set to be second with 18 seats.

Lapid, 57, had hoped there would be enough parties in the anti-Netanyahu&nbsp;bloc to oust the veteran premier, in power since 2009.

It usually falls to the biggest party to try to form a government, and that could take weeks of back-room dealings.

Netanyahu&nbsp;may have to woo Jewish religious allies as well as far-rightists and possibly even the the United Arab List (UAL), an Islamist party forecast to win five seats.

UAL leader Mansour Abbas, 46, has advocated working with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;to address the needs of Israel's 21% Arab minority - a position rejected by most Arabs.

"We are not in anyone's pocket. We are prepared to engage with both sides (Netanyahu&nbsp;and Lapid)," Abbas told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. Israeli media reported that he had agreed to meet Lapid later this week.

Israel's shekel was flat against the dollar and stocks slipped on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects for another term looked uncertain on Wednesday after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects for another term looked uncertain on Wednesday after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory. Netanyahu's Likud party has emerged as the single largest with 30 seats, but the right-wing bloc led by the 71-year-old leader still does not have the 61-seat majority needed to form a coalition in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament). The election turnout of 67.2 per cent was a drop of 4.3 per cent since last March's election when the turnout was 71.5 per cent and the lowest of the four elections of the past two years. Not even his stewardship of Israel’s world-beating COVID-19 vaccination rollout - a central pillar of his campaign - proved enough for Netanyahu to break through the political deadlock that has seen four elections in two years. With about 88 per cent of votes counted it appeared that Netanyahu, 71, would have to cobble together a coalition from a combination of right-wing allies, ultra-Orthodox parties, ultra-nationalists, Arabs and defectors to secure another term. Should a hard-right government emerge, it would likely be at loggerheads with the Democratic administration of US President Joe Biden over issues such as Palestinian statehood and US engagement with Israel's arch-enemy Iran over its nuclear programme. Some centre-left parties made a better showing than expected after highlighting longstanding corruption allegations against Netanyahu - which he denies - and accusing him of mishandling the early months of the pandemic. But like Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc it fell short of a governing majority in the 120-member parliament. And it has a less clear route to forming a coalition, having to unite parties from different wings of the political spectrum. Immediately after polls closed on Tuesday, Netanyahu claimed victory and said he hoped to form a "stable right-wing government". But as first results trickled in and seemed to shift against him, he did not repeat the claim in his televised post-election speech. One potential kingmaker is Naftali Bennett, 48, a former defence minister who favours annexing parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Bennett's hawkish Yamina party is projected to win seven seats. He remained non-committal after the vote, saying only he would do "what is good for Israel". Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, predicted political paralysis and said a fifth national election was possible. "It seems quite clear that Israelis are split right down the middle with respect to the main question that divides Israeli politics, which is pro and against Mr Netanyahu," he said. "The period of uncertainty, deadlock and paralysis is expected to accompany us for the foreseeable future." Visting Tubas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the outcome "does not really give any hope for peace" and that the Israeli political system had shifted to the right. "What is needed really from the future prime minister of Israel is somebody who is ready to stand up and say that he is ready to end occupation," Shtayyeh told Reuters. "We have to break this status quo." Netanyahu has sealed historic deals with several Arab nations to normalise ties, but Israel and the Palestinians have not held direct negotiations since 2014 when peace talks broke down. Each side accuses the other of intransigence over core issues such as Jerusalem and Jewish settlements. Horse-trading Tuesday's vote followed three inconclusive elections in which neither Netanyahu nor his centre-left opponents won a stable majority in the 120-seat parliament. Netanyahu's Likud is now projected to emerge as the largest party with 30 seats, down from 36. The opposition centrist party Yesh Atid, headed by Yair Lapid, is set to be second with 18 seats. Lapid, 57, had hoped there would be enough parties in the anti-Netanyahu bloc to oust the veteran premier, in power since 2009. It usually falls to the biggest party to try to form a government, and that could take weeks of back-room dealings. Netanyahu may have to woo Jewish religious allies as well as far-rightists and possibly even the the United Arab List (UAL), an Islamist party forecast to win five seats. UAL leader Mansour Abbas, 46, has advocated working with Netanyahu to address the needs of Israel's 21% Arab minority - a position rejected by most Arabs. "We are not in anyone's pocket. We are prepared to engage with both sides (Netanyahu and Lapid)," Abbas told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. Israeli media reported that he had agreed to meet Lapid later this week. Israel's shekel was flat against the dollar and stocks slipped on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

Netanyahu had campaigned on a world-leading coronavirus vaccination effort that has already inoculated roughly half of Israel's roughly nine million people, a pace envied by much of the world.&nbsp;

He described Tuesday's projected results as a "huge win for the right" and his Likud party. "I will reach out to all elected officials who share our principles. I will not exclude anyone," he told supporters.&nbsp;

If the projections reflect the final results expected later this week, Likud could win 30 or 31 seats.&nbsp;Adding Likud's hawkish, religious allies, the pro-Netanyahu camp could control more than 50 seats.&nbsp;

But his only path to a viable right-wing coalition appears to rest on a deal with his estranged former protege Naftali Bennett, who has not ruled out joining a bloc opposed to the premier.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former television anchor whose centrist Yesh Atid party looked set to place a second behind Likud, claimed the anti-Netanyahu bloc had a path to a majority.

Numbers were continuing to shift early Wednesday and it remained possible that Netanyahu would fall short of a majority even with Bennett's support.

Lapid said he has "started speaking to party leaders and we'll wait for the results but we'll do everything to create a sane government in Israel."

Even if Bennett's projected seven seats technically enable Netanyahu to cobble together a government, there is no guarantee the two will unite.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted in office after being formally charged last year with corruption, an allegation he denies.

Netanyahu has said he will not block the trial and looks forward to being exonerated, but critics suspect that if he forms a majority, he may seek parliamentary action to delay or end the process.

A Netanyahu coalition will also require alignment with a new far-right extremist alliance called Religious Zionism, which is projected to win between six and seven seats.

That means the bloc will send to parliament Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has voiced admiration for the mass-murderer of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, Baruch Goldstein.

Tuesday's vote was forced on Israelis after Netanyahu triggered the collapse of a unity government he had formed last year with former military chief Benny Gantz, his main challenger in three&nbsp;previous, inconclusive elections.

Gantz is projected to win seven or eight seats in Tuesday's election, outperforming expectations but still a far fall from a year ago, when he was Netanyahu's main challenger.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority. Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Netanyahu had campaigned on a world-leading coronavirus vaccination effort that has already inoculated roughly half of Israel's roughly nine million people, a pace envied by much of the world. He described Tuesday's projected results as a "huge win for the right" and his Likud party. "I will reach out to all elected officials who share our principles. I will not exclude anyone," he told supporters. If the projections reflect the final results expected later this week, Likud could win 30 or 31 seats. Adding Likud's hawkish, religious allies, the pro-Netanyahu camp could control more than 50 seats. But his only path to a viable right-wing coalition appears to rest on a deal with his estranged former protege Naftali Bennett, who has not ruled out joining a bloc opposed to the premier. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former television anchor whose centrist Yesh Atid party looked set to place a second behind Likud, claimed the anti-Netanyahu bloc had a path to a majority. Numbers were continuing to shift early Wednesday and it remained possible that Netanyahu would fall short of a majority even with Bennett's support. Lapid said he has "started speaking to party leaders and we'll wait for the results but we'll do everything to create a sane government in Israel." Even if Bennett's projected seven seats technically enable Netanyahu to cobble together a government, there is no guarantee the two will unite. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted in office after being formally charged last year with corruption, an allegation he denies. Netanyahu has said he will not block the trial and looks forward to being exonerated, but critics suspect that if he forms a majority, he may seek parliamentary action to delay or end the process. A Netanyahu coalition will also require alignment with a new far-right extremist alliance called Religious Zionism, which is projected to win between six and seven seats. That means the bloc will send to parliament Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has voiced admiration for the mass-murderer of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, Baruch Goldstein. Tuesday's vote was forced on Israelis after Netanyahu triggered the collapse of a unity government he had formed last year with former military chief Benny Gantz, his main challenger in three previous, inconclusive elections. Gantz is projected to win seven or eight seats in Tuesday's election, outperforming expectations but still a far fall from a year ago, when he was Netanyahu's main challenger. (with inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain

Israelis made the trip to polling stations for a fourth time in two years amid uncertainty over the political future of PM Benjamin Netanyahu. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Netanyahu faces uphill battle as Israel votes

Israel has gone to the polls for the fourth time in two years what is being largely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continuance.

Israel Election: COVID-19 vaccines saved Israel, but will it save Netanyahu?

Israelis return to the polling station for the fourth time in two years

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who 
have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

Israelis who tested positive for coronavirus will be casting their ballots in specially designed drive-through polling stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polls-open-in-israel-as-contenders-seek-to-topple-pm-netanyahu-372460">Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu</a>

The country began its fourth elections in the past two years on Tuesday morning. This time the current Prime 
Minister Benjamin &nbsp;Netanyahu's Likud party will be clashing against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-lesh Atid party.

Netanyahu is running his campaign on the basis of the recovery and vaccination drive which set a world record in the coronavirus pandemic year.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elects-4th-snap-polls-since-the-collapse-of-netanyahus-govt-372469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With the slogan of "Vaccination Nation", Netanyahu is hoping to be able to win back the votes of the locals after battling various allegations and cases of abuse of power and corruption.

Since the coronavirus pandemic has sent the country into multiple lockdowns, the authorities have made sure to take all necessary precautions.

The people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the chance to cast their vote by casting their ballot through a drive-through polling booth.

All election officers and volunteers present at the booths were seen wearing protective gears from head to toe, while 
supervising and initiating the voting process.

When a car drives in through the designated drive-way, the ballot station is wheeled towards the car and the 
officials stand behind a divider while the voters choose their ballot.

Netanyahu is hoping to continue his stride of being Israel's longest-serving head of the government, despite the continuous protests against him.

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote. Israelis who tested positive for coronavirus will be casting their ballots in specially designed drive-through polling stations. Also read | Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu The country began its fourth elections in the past two years on Tuesday morning. This time the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party will be clashing against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-lesh Atid party. Netanyahu is running his campaign on the basis of the recovery and vaccination drive which set a world record in the coronavirus pandemic year. Watch | With the slogan of "Vaccination Nation", Netanyahu is hoping to be able to win back the votes of the locals after battling various allegations and cases of abuse of power and corruption. Since the coronavirus pandemic has sent the country into multiple lockdowns, the authorities have made sure to take all necessary precautions. The people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the chance to cast their vote by casting their ballot through a drive-through polling booth. All election officers and volunteers present at the booths were seen wearing protective gears from head to toe, while supervising and initiating the voting process. When a car drives in through the designated drive-way, the ballot station is wheeled towards the car and the officials stand behind a divider while the voters choose their ballot. Netanyahu is hoping to continue his stride of being Israel's longest-serving head of the government, despite the continuous protests against him.

Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just days before the country’s fourth general election in less than two years.

WION Dispatch: Israel's record fourth election heading towards a deadlock

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies.

The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power.

Netanyahu's detractors accuse him of corruption and say his management made the coronavirus pandemic worse in view of protracted lockdowns, and battered the economy.

Waving flags including the Israeli blue-and-white, protesters led by a young man with a bullhorn chanted "Bibi go home", using the prime minister's nickname.

They also held up signs carrying a broad range of messages, from the need for a leadership "revolution" to mistrust in the police.

Netanyahu was the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office for corruption when he was formally charged last year in three cases over claims he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

The combative premier denies wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt, but he would be forced to resign if convicted with all appeals exhausted.

First launched in June last year, the vocal and colourful demonstrations against Netanyahu have gained momentum over the past 38 weeks, with Saturday night's rally -- the 39th -- the largest in recent months.

Final pre-election opinion polls broadcast on television Friday night showed that Netanyahu's Likud party and its hawkish, religious allies were tied for a majority with those seeking to replace the premier.

His campaign has sought to take credit for Israel's coronavirus vaccination drive, which is the envy of many nations.

Netanyahu has been in power for a record 12 consecutive years, and hopes to remain in office following Israel's fourth election in less than two years on March 23.

The prime minister also hopes for a boost from having clinched historic normalisation ties with four Arab countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

(with inputs)

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies. The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power.

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies. The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power. Netanyahu's detractors accuse him of corruption and say his management made the coronavirus pandemic worse in view of protracted lockdowns, and battered the economy. Waving flags including the Israeli blue-and-white, protesters led by a young man with a bullhorn chanted "Bibi go home", using the prime minister's nickname. They also held up signs carrying a broad range of messages, from the need for a leadership "revolution" to mistrust in the police. Netanyahu was the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office for corruption when he was formally charged last year in three cases over claims he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. The combative premier denies wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt, but he would be forced to resign if convicted with all appeals exhausted. First launched in June last year, the vocal and colourful demonstrations against Netanyahu have gained momentum over the past 38 weeks, with Saturday night's rally -- the 39th -- the largest in recent months. Final pre-election opinion polls broadcast on television Friday night showed that Netanyahu's Likud party and its hawkish, religious allies were tied for a majority with those seeking to replace the premier. His campaign has sought to take credit for Israel's coronavirus vaccination drive, which is the envy of many nations. Netanyahu has been in power for a record 12 consecutive years, and hopes to remain in office following Israel's fourth election in less than two years on March 23. The prime minister also hopes for a boost from having clinched historic normalisation ties with four Arab countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. (with inputs)

Thousands rally at anti-Netanyahu protest ahead of election

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