Jordanian King Abdullah II says he is "prepared" for conflict should the incoming government attempt to change the status quo regarding Jerusalem's holy sites.

Even before starting his record sixth term in office, the incoming PM has sought to quell fears at home and abroad his emerging government will endanger minority rights, harm the judiciary, and exacerbate the conflict with the Palestinians.

Isaac Herzog, who has traditionally remained above the political fray, reacted to the recent controversy over statements made by right-wing lawmakers on legislation that could in some cases allow discrimination against the LGBT community.

Orit Struck, a Religious Zionist Party member of the Knesset, said her party seeks a change to the country’s anti-discrimination law that would include permitting people to avoid acts that go against their religious beliefs, including discriminating against LGBTQ people in hospitals.

Although a date for the swearing-in is not immediately announced, Netanyahu is expected to return to power – as head of the most right-wing Israeli government ever to hold office – as early as next week.

“The Biden administration will hold the presumptive Israeli prime minister personally responsible for the actions of his more extreme cabinet members, especially if they lead to policies that endanger a future Palestinian state," US official tells Politico.

Although neither Blue and White nor Likud would benefit right now from a repeat of the ill-fated unity government from 2020-2021, it is clear that Benny Gantz has not shut the door on that option.

The outgoing government is mercilessly attacking the incoming one, further eroding the standing of right-wing lawmakers in the international media even before they get their ministerial portfolios.

“Without judicial oversight and independent legal advice, we will remain only with the principle of majority rule,” Baharav-Miara told a legal conference at the University of Haifa, eliciting an angry response from Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Prime minister-elect says he hopes kingdom joins the Abraham Accords, stresses this could "change our region in ways that are unimaginable" and help produce a Palestinian-Israeli agreement.

"We were elected to lead in our way, the way of the nationalist Right and the way of the liberal Right, and so shall we do," he told the Knesset, to heckling from Center-Left lawmakers.

The PM-elect will wait until the Knesset is ready for a confidence vote on his would-be cabinet before he hands out crucial portfolios to his own Likud party. But the big question is: Will he take the path of judicial reforms?

With his initial mandate set to expire on Sunday, the Likud leader sought the maximum 2-week extension allowed by law. President Herzog, whose job as head of state is largely ceremonial, gave him an extra 10 days.

Although the PM-designate has managed to secure the majority of his allies for a vote of confidence that would officially make him prime minister, several issues on portfolios have yet to be finalized.

Opinion polls show that roughly three-quarters of US Jews lean toward the Democratic Party. They tend to be more critical of the Israeli government and more sympathetic to the Palestinians than their Republican counterparts, with these divisions even wider among younger Jews in their 20s.

Right-wing bloc gathers all signatures necessary to replace Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy, potentially paving the way for Shas leader Aryeh Deri, previously convicted of tax fraud, to become a minister.

Israel Hayom causes stir after revealing Likud-Religious Zionist Party coalition agreement gives latter effective control over senior appointments in Judea and Samaria governing body.

Likud MKs urge far-Right MK Avi Maoz against such remarks, stressing that Benjamin Netanyahu has enough Knesset seats to form a government without him.

Bezalel Smotrich is to become finance minister for two years under a rotation deal with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri. Faction will also have control over a number of key government ministries and a senior role in overseeing the construction of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria.