Center-Left party often states it will not join a Netanyahu-led coalition, but leader Benny Gantz has gone back and forth on the issue, this time saying that if Netanyahu offered a leadership rotation deal with Gantz leading first he would be "willing to consider it." Gantz "did some real damage with this statement," Blue and White member says.
Of Blue and White's leaders, Yair Lapid has been the most vocal critic of the prime minister. Former coalition whip says Likud is open to a political partnership with the party but Blue and White officials dismiss notion as unfeasible.
Following Israel Hayom columnist Mati Tuchfeld's call on Tuesday for the Right to "commit to its own path," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly responds in a direct letter to the paper's readers, vowing to eschew a national unity government with the Blue and White party after the September 17 election.
Blue and White co-founder insists video is "harmless political humor" and a "legitimate part of an election campaign," but the heads of Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism accuse him of anti-Semitism, say video "crossed a red line."
After Yisrael Beytenu and Blue and White rule out sitting in a government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud members sign online commitment to nominate Netanyahu as PM in an attempt to force President Reuven Rivlin's hand.
Recent political mergers may again create dead heat between Right and Center-Left blocs, as each is projected to win 55 mandates, survey finds. Likud maintains lead with 30 seat, Blue and White secure 28. Some 40% of respondents believe Netanyahu to be best suited for the role of prime minister.
Channel 12 News survey projects 30-seat tie between Likud and Blue and White. Newly-formed United Right would win 12 Knesset seats but could grow to 14 seats if it teams with Zehut and the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. Center-Left bloc would win only 53 seats.
New poll indicates that one-third of Russian-speaking Israelis who voted for Blue and White could cast ballots for Likud or Yisrael Beytenu on Sept. 17.
New Right, Habayit Hayehudi and the National Union to vie in Sept. 17 elections as one faction called United Right. Shaked says she plans to pursue further mergers "so important votes won't be lost."
Central Elections Committee plans to produce two TV spots urging Israelis to overcome their apathy and exercise their right to vote.
