The prospective new heads of an unprecedentedly diverse and divided 'unity coalition' have an uphill battle ahead of them, and Netanyahu is busy laying traps

With pressure from Netanyahu on Yamina MKs, Lapid and Bennett are working to finalize coalition agreements between 7 parties in the next two days

Yamina leader says there is 'good' atmosphere but warns serious differences remain between parties; sides said arguing over ministries and other key roles

47% support power-sharing coalition between Bennett, Lapid, while 43% oppose; 83% say they fee politicians are not looking out for the citizenry

Yamina chair, reportedly set to serve as PM first in potential unity government, also meets separately with Labor's Michaeli; Liberman issues list of demands to enter coalition

As mandate to form a coalition is given to his rival, prime minister piles pressure on Yamina party to 'return to the right' and not break its election campaign promises

Yamina leader reportedly trying to finish negotiations with Lapid quickly to avoid defections, after party MK objects to coalition with left-wing parties

Yesh Atid leader, backed by 56 MKs, given 28 days to muster majority after Netanyahu fails to do so; Bennett declares now ‘is the time for a unity government’

While Yesh Atid and Yamina leaders have cooperated in the past and have agreed Bennett will go first as PM, significant hurdles remain; coalition must rely on Islamist Ra'am party

As TV survey indicates neither side would have clear path to coalition after another round at the polls, Bennett said to be serious about unity government with 'change bloc'