Israel’s opposition has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not being transparent about the Israel Defense Forces’ casualties in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid claimed Monday (Oct 29) that more than 12,000 soldiers have been affected to date since the war started on October 7 last year. "Eleven thousand soldiers were injured and 890 others killed,” Lapid claimed.

The figure suggested by Lapid is slightly above the official death toll of 772 soldiers; whereas the government says around 5,100 soldiers have been injured.

"There are limits to how much we accept the alternative facts,” Lapid said, arguing that his figures are "correct".

He also warned that the number of casualties will only increase if the Netanyahu government “doesn’t do anything”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinuLuJ1rOJAxV1XmwGHeC9GZwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollah-names-naim-qassem-as-successor-to-late-hassan-nasrallah-771637" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollah-names-naim-qassem-as-successor-to-late-hassan-nasrallah-771637&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinuLuJ1rOJAxV1XmwGHeC9GZwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as successor to late Hassan Nasrallah</a>

Israel has doubled down on its military efforts in Gaza despite calls by the United Nations to implement an urgent ceasefire. So far, more than 43,000 people have been killed in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to Hamas. Mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have so far failed to make a breakthrough.

Israel on October 1 decided to expand the war into Lebanon, saying the operation was necessary for Israeli people in the North to be able to go back to their homes.

<h2>IDF announces death of four more soldiers</h2>

The IDF revealed Tuesday the names of four soldiers who were killed during operations in northern Gaza.

The troops are named as below:

<ol>
	<li>Cpt. Yehonatan Joni Keren, 22, from Moledet</li>
	<li>Staff Sgt. Nisim Meytal, 20, from Hadera</li>
	<li>Staff Sgt. Aviv Gilboa, 21, from Neve Tzuf</li>
	<li>Staff Sgt. Naor Haimov, 22, from Rosh Ha’ayin</li>
</ol>

The four soldiers were fighting with the “Ghost” unit or the&nbsp;elite Multidomain Unit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinuLuJ1rOJAxV1XmwGHeC9GZwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-netanyahu-claims-iran-amassing-nuclear-stockpile-hezbollah-fires-projectiles-into-israel-771466" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-netanyahu-claims-iran-amassing-nuclear-stockpile-hezbollah-fires-projectiles-into-israel-771466&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinuLuJ1rOJAxV1XmwGHeC9GZwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">West Asia crisis: Netanyahu claims Iran amassing nuclear 'stockpile'; Hezbollah fires projectiles into Israel</a>

IDF didn’t reveal what circumstances led to the death of the four troops but said an investigation was going on.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel’s opposition has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not being transparent about the Israel Defense Forces’ casualties in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

Israel’s opposition has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not being transparent about the Israel Defense Forces’ casualties in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid claimed Monday (Oct 29) that more than 12,000 soldiers have been affected to date since the war started on October 7 last year. "Eleven thousand soldiers were injured and 890 others killed,” Lapid claimed. The figure suggested by Lapid is slightly above the official death toll of 772 soldiers; whereas the government says around 5,100 soldiers have been injured. "There are limits to how much we accept the alternative facts,” Lapid said, arguing that his figures are "correct". He also warned that the number of casualties will only increase if the Netanyahu government “doesn’t do anything”. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as successor to late Hassan Nasrallah Israel has doubled down on its military efforts in Gaza despite calls by the United Nations to implement an urgent ceasefire. So far, more than 43,000 people have been killed in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to Hamas. Mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have so far failed to make a breakthrough. Israel on October 1 decided to expand the war into Lebanon, saying the operation was necessary for Israeli people in the North to be able to go back to their homes. IDF announces death of four more soldiers The IDF revealed Tuesday the names of four soldiers who were killed during operations in northern Gaza. The troops are named as below: Cpt. Yehonatan Joni Keren, 22, from Moledet Staff Sgt. Nisim Meytal, 20, from Hadera Staff Sgt. Aviv Gilboa, 21, from Neve Tzuf Staff Sgt. Naor Haimov, 22, from Rosh Ha’ayin The four soldiers were fighting with the “Ghost” unit or the elite Multidomain Unit. Also read: West Asia crisis: Netanyahu claims Iran amassing nuclear 'stockpile'; Hezbollah fires projectiles into Israel IDF didn’t reveal what circumstances led to the death of the four troops but said an investigation was going on. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'12,000 affected,’ Opposition leader Lapid accuses Netanyahu of hiding IDF’s casualties

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's immediate resignation, stressing the need for prompt political change amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

In an interview with Israeli news channel N12, Lapid stated, "Netanyahu should leave immediately... We need change; Netanyahu cannot remain prime minister."

Expressing concerns about the prime minister's loss of public trust, Lapid said&nbsp;that conducting a lengthy campaign under such circumstances is untenable.

He criticised Israeli leaders for their perceived failure to prevent the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, reported AFP.

Following the attack, Netanyahu and another opposition leader, Benny Gantz, announced an agreement to establish an "emergency government" for the war's duration.

Despite leading Israel's coalition government before Netanyahu's return to power last year, Lapid refrained from calling for the prime minister's resignation until now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-agrees-to-free-at-least-50-hostages-in-exchange-for-multi-day-truce-reports-659119">Also read |&nbsp;Hamas agrees to tentative deal to free at least 50 hostages in exchange for multi-day truce: Reports</a>

<h2>No-confidence vote proposal</h2>

Lapid did not advocate for early elections but proposed a no-confidence vote in parliament, aiming to facilitate the formation of a new government within Netanyahu's Likud party.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel withdraws from Al-Shifa hospital after raiding &amp; combing through it

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-withdraws-from-al-shifa-hospital-after-raiding-combing-through-it-659108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He suggested a national reconstruction effort led by another Likud member, stating, "This is not the time to hold elections; we should opt for a national reconstruction with another prime minister from Likud."

In response, Likud rejected the proposal, deeming it inappropriate during a time of war. The party issued a statement on Telegram dismissing Lapid's call for change.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's immediate resignation, stressing the need for prompt political change amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's immediate resignation, stressing the need for prompt political change amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. In an interview with Israeli news channel N12, Lapid stated, "Netanyahu should leave immediately... We need change; Netanyahu cannot remain prime minister." Expressing concerns about the prime minister's loss of public trust, Lapid said that conducting a lengthy campaign under such circumstances is untenable. He criticised Israeli leaders for their perceived failure to prevent the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, reported AFP. Following the attack, Netanyahu and another opposition leader, Benny Gantz, announced an agreement to establish an "emergency government" for the war's duration. Despite leading Israel's coalition government before Netanyahu's return to power last year, Lapid refrained from calling for the prime minister's resignation until now. Also read | Hamas agrees to tentative deal to free at least 50 hostages in exchange for multi-day truce: Reports No-confidence vote proposal Lapid did not advocate for early elections but proposed a no-confidence vote in parliament, aiming to facilitate the formation of a new government within Netanyahu's Likud party. Also watch | Israel withdraws from Al-Shifa hospital after raiding & combing through it He suggested a national reconstruction effort led by another Likud member, stating, "This is not the time to hold elections; we should opt for a national reconstruction with another prime minister from Likud." In response, Likud rejected the proposal, deeming it inappropriate during a time of war. The party issued a statement on Telegram dismissing Lapid's call for change. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's opposition leader demands Netanyahu's 'immediate' resignation amid the war

On Thursday, Israel's incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid congratulated former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the recent election results. Lapid has also instructed his office to begin the transition of power. This comes after the country held its fifth election in four years on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“The state of Israel comes before any political consideration. I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel,” said the interim prime minister. Furthermore, a statement by his office said that following the results he also “updated him that he has instructed his entire office to prepare an organised transition of power.”

Lapid who served as interim prime minister for the past four months will now step down as the final results show Netanyahu and his coalition have secured&nbsp;a parliamentary majority. Reports suggest that Netanyahu is set to form one of the most right-wing governments in history with his religious and ultranationalist allies.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc have secured a comfortable majority with 64 seats in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset (parliament). Meanwhile, Lapid and his coalition won 51 seats. This election caps the country’s ongoing political instability. Last year, Netanyahu was ousted as the country’s longest-serving leader after 12 years.&nbsp;

In the upcoming weeks following the formal announcement of the election results, Israel’s ceremonial president will pick one candidate, in this case, Netanyahu, to form the government who will have four weeks to do so.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Thursday, Israel's incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid congratulated former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the recent election results. Lapid has also instructed his office to begin the transition of power.

On Thursday, Israel's incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid congratulated former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the recent election results. Lapid has also instructed his office to begin the transition of power. This comes after the country held its fifth election in four years on Tuesday. “The state of Israel comes before any political consideration. I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel,” said the interim prime minister. Furthermore, a statement by his office said that following the results he also “updated him that he has instructed his entire office to prepare an organised transition of power.” Lapid who served as interim prime minister for the past four months will now step down as the final results show Netanyahu and his coalition have secured a parliamentary majority. Reports suggest that Netanyahu is set to form one of the most right-wing governments in history with his religious and ultranationalist allies. Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc have secured a comfortable majority with 64 seats in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset (parliament). Meanwhile, Lapid and his coalition won 51 seats. This election caps the country’s ongoing political instability. Last year, Netanyahu was ousted as the country’s longest-serving leader after 12 years. In the upcoming weeks following the formal announcement of the election results, Israel’s ceremonial president will pick one candidate, in this case, Netanyahu, to form the government who will have four weeks to do so. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel election: Netanyahu makes a comeback, PM Yair Lapid concedes defeat

According to the latest exit polls, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the course for victory in the elections, the polls give his his right-wing bloc slim majority over his opponents.

Israel's Netanyahu says his camp on brink of big election win, 'will wait for results, says Lapid

Israelis are queuing up for the fifth time in four years. Every election has unmasked how complex politics has become in Israel. WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen decodes the four key players for you and whether Netanyahu could pull off a comeback.

Israel voting underway live news | Opinion polls: Smaller parties may be the deciding factor

Israelis are voting for the fifth time in four years. Every election has unmasked how complex politics has become in Israel. WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen decodes the key players for you and whether Netanyahu could pull off a comeback.

Netanyahu Vs Lapid: Israeli voters return to polls for fifth time

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in his speech at the UN General Assembly on Thursday will express his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The revelation drew both criticism from right-wing ministers in Lapid’s eight-party coalition, and support from some of his allies on the left.

WION Dispatch: Israeli PM Yair Lapid may back two-state solution during his UNGA address

According to the White House, President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday that the United States would never permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Washington is being sought after by Tehran for stronger guarantees in order to revive a nuclear agreement with major powers.&nbsp;

Israel is against going back to the 2015 agreement, which put restrictions on Iran's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for the relaxation of sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the UN on Tehran.&nbsp;

To Israel's pleasure, the deal's nuclear restrictions were broken by Tehran once former president Donald Trump withdrew from it and reinstituted heavy penalties in 2018. In order to protect Israel, which is Iran's main adversary in the region, Biden has committed to resurrecting the accord.

In a call where Biden and Lapid also discussed "threats posed by Iran," the President "underscored US&nbsp;commitment to never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon," the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-moderna-and-pfizer-shots-targeting-omicron-variant-of-covid-511880">US approves Moderna and Pfizer shots targeting omicron variant of Covid</a>

The statement stated that Biden stressed the significance of finalising talks on Israel and Lebanon's maritime border.&nbsp;

They "spoke at length about the negotiations on a nuclear agreement and their shared commitment to stopping Iran’s progress towards a nuclear weapon," according to Lapid's office in its own readout of the call.

In March, it seemed like the nuclear agreement may be revived. Iranian demands that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) end its investigations into uranium traces found at three unreported sites before the nuclear accord is revived caused indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington to break down.&nbsp;

In July, Biden and Lapid jointly vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, demonstrating their allies' unity after years of disagreement on how to approach Tehran diplomatically. But Lapid asserted last week that Israel will not be obligated by the 2015 agreement if it is restored.

(with inputs from agencies)

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According to the White House, President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday that the United States would never permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

According to the White House, President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday that the United States would never permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Washington is being sought after by Tehran for stronger guarantees in order to revive a nuclear agreement with major powers. Israel is against going back to the 2015 agreement, which put restrictions on Iran's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for the relaxation of sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the UN on Tehran. To Israel's pleasure, the deal's nuclear restrictions were broken by Tehran once former president Donald Trump withdrew from it and reinstituted heavy penalties in 2018. In order to protect Israel, which is Iran's main adversary in the region, Biden has committed to resurrecting the accord. In a call where Biden and Lapid also discussed "threats posed by Iran," the President "underscored US commitment to never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon," the White House said in a statement. Also Read: US approves Moderna and Pfizer shots targeting omicron variant of Covid The statement stated that Biden stressed the significance of finalising talks on Israel and Lebanon's maritime border. They "spoke at length about the negotiations on a nuclear agreement and their shared commitment to stopping Iran’s progress towards a nuclear weapon," according to Lapid's office in its own readout of the call. In March, it seemed like the nuclear agreement may be revived. Iranian demands that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) end its investigations into uranium traces found at three unreported sites before the nuclear accord is revived caused indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington to break down. In July, Biden and Lapid jointly vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, demonstrating their allies' unity after years of disagreement on how to approach Tehran diplomatically. But Lapid asserted last week that Israel will not be obligated by the 2015 agreement if it is restored. (with inputs from agencies)

Biden assures Lapid, US will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons

From Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid heading the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem to voting in Senegal, here are some impactful images from around the world on 31 July 2022.

World in Pictures: Yair Lapid heads the weekly cabinet meet; People attend Ani-Com in Hong Kong

American President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed a joint strategic declaration in Jerusalem, in which the US vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

US President Biden & Israeli PM Lapid sign 'Jerusalem declaration'

Israel's caretaker PM Yair Lapid has met French President Emmanuel Macron during his maiden foreign trip to Paris, revival of Iran nuclear deal to be discussed.

WION Dispatch | Negotiations on Iran deal need to succeed, says Macron on meet with Yair Lapid

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tueday (July 5) said that world needed 'defend' nuclear deal with Iran the revival of which is being discussed between world powers and Iran. Macron made the statement in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Israel is fiercely against any nuclear deal with Iran.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by the USA under former president Barack Obama and other world powers including Russia in 2015. But Obama's successor Donald Trump took USA out of the deal and re-imposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic. After current President Joe Biden took office, the discussions to revive the nuclear deal have been going on but without result so far.

"We have to defend this (nuclear) deal (with Iran). And take in account the interests of our friends in the area, primarily Israel," Macron told reporters in the joit press conference.

Israel is opposed to any deal with Iran. The Islamic republic has over years, carved its own sphere of influence in West Asia. Saudi Arabia is also opposed to growing Iranian influence.

Before his arrival in Paris, Lapid reiterated his country's stance in presence of reporters travelling with him.&nbsp;

Acknowledging that France disagrees with that view, he said what was beyond dispute was that "Iran is violating the agreement and continues to develop its nuclear programme."

Israeli officials fear that giving Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme could allow Tehran to boost funding to Hezbollah, as well as the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Macron, meanwhile, deplored that Iran "refuses to seize the opportunity offered to it to conclude a good agreement", but said he would "make every effort" to make Tehran "see reason".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-iran-presidents-daughter-charged-with-propaganda-and-blasphemy-494722">Former Iran president's daughter charged with propaganda and blasphemy</a>

Lapid's Paris visit comes days ahead of US President Joe Biden travelling to Israel and the Palestinian territories, before flying to Saudi Arabia for energy talks.

Washington is seeking to stabilise the global energy market following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led Moscow to cut its gas supplies to some European countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Tueday (July 5) said that world needed 'defend' nuclear deal with Iran the revival of which is being discussed between world powers and Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tueday (July 5) said that world needed 'defend' nuclear deal with Iran the revival of which is being discussed between world powers and Iran. Macron made the statement in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Israel is fiercely against any nuclear deal with Iran. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by the USA under former president Barack Obama and other world powers including Russia in 2015. But Obama's successor Donald Trump took USA out of the deal and re-imposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic. After current President Joe Biden took office, the discussions to revive the nuclear deal have been going on but without result so far. "We have to defend this (nuclear) deal (with Iran). And take in account the interests of our friends in the area, primarily Israel," Macron told reporters in the joit press conference. Israel is opposed to any deal with Iran. The Islamic republic has over years, carved its own sphere of influence in West Asia. Saudi Arabia is also opposed to growing Iranian influence. Before his arrival in Paris, Lapid reiterated his country's stance in presence of reporters travelling with him. Acknowledging that France disagrees with that view, he said what was beyond dispute was that "Iran is violating the agreement and continues to develop its nuclear programme." Israeli officials fear that giving Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme could allow Tehran to boost funding to Hezbollah, as well as the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Macron, meanwhile, deplored that Iran "refuses to seize the opportunity offered to it to conclude a good agreement", but said he would "make every effort" to make Tehran "see reason". Also Read | Former Iran president's daughter charged with propaganda and blasphemy Lapid's Paris visit comes days ahead of US President Joe Biden travelling to Israel and the Palestinian territories, before flying to Saudi Arabia for energy talks. Washington is seeking to stabilise the global energy market following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led Moscow to cut its gas supplies to some European countries. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

World needs to 'defend' Iran nuclear deal, says Macron in front of Israel PM Lapid

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Lapid becomes interim Israeli PM; Ecuador declares new state of emergency

India's EAM S Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

Indian EAM S Jaishankar meets Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid

India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION over his high-level meet in Israel. It is India's first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

'India-Israel relationship deeply rooted,' S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION

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

lapid

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