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.
The parties are yet to sign a final agreement that would see Shas leader Aryeh Deri become interior minister first, and finance minister at the two-year mark.
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.
Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu is one step closer to forming a government as his deadline to do so is fast approaching.
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.