In an apparent stunt, Gantz lets the order enabling ultra-Orthodox to avoid army service lapse, but expert says status quo likely to continue, because Knesset dissolved in December

Defense minister, who has been feuding with ultra-Orthodox parties, says he won't extend military exemption which ends next Monday

Reflecting on Beirut blast, defense minister says fighting Hezbollah is complicated by its storage of weapons in civilian areas, says IDF to keep working to block Iran in Syria

Pnima movement, which once included Gantz and Ashkenazi, releases proposal to require all Israeli citizens to perform some form of national service for a more cohesive society

With the Yisrael Beytenu chief entrenching himself in his positions and only two days left to reach agreement, hope for Netanyahu could come from the ultra-Orthodox parties

Israel may be heading to snap elections over the enlistment of a few hundred more ultra-Orthodox recruits, which would do little to address the army's manpower woes

But agreement to 'preserve status quo' on religion and state currently doesn't include Avigdor Liberman, who refuses to join coalition if Haredi draft law isn't passed unchanged

Netanyahu says sending Israelis to the polls again would be 'unfortunate,' insists the deadlock in talks could be resolved; Yisrael Beytenu accuses ruling party of 'lying'

Proposed legislation on army conscription has emerged as biggest obstacle to Netanyahu's coalition-building, with Avigdor Liberman insisting on current version of bill