LyrArc Article Gist
Israel's Benny Gantz leader of the Blue and White party leading in seats in parliament with 33 seats to Likud's 31 seats, and his centre left coalition having 57 seats to Likud coalition's 55 seats, has rejected a call for a unity government with Likud bloc. Under such an arrangement Mr. Lieberman's party with 9 seats would also join the coalition. Mr. Lieberman pulled out of a coalition with Likud because of his opposition to ultra orthodox parties leading to this election in Israel in 2019. Mr. Netanyahu's rise in politics with Likud came with his close relationship with Lieberman. With this coming apart Israel is looking to the future with the emergence of new governing parties to replace the old politics and governance.

LyrArc Article Gist
This report from Jerusalem in The Times says Mr. Lieberman's opposition to the influence of ultra-orthodox parties in the Netanyahu government is likely to result in the end of the Netanyahu government. Mr. Lieberman's party is gaining popularity and could be the difference in this weeks election in Israel. Mr. Lieberman helped Netanyahu to come to power in Israel and was part of his Likud Party till he broke away to form his own party in 1998. Before this he served as defense minister in Netanyahu's government. Lieberman emigrated from the former Soviet Union in 1978 at the age of 20. His party has the support mostly of former pensioners from the Soviet Union. His main aim is to have influence in any new government, not be prime minister. Over the years Netanyahu and Lieberman have moved apart.  Lieberman hopes to regain influence in new Blue and White unity government with Likud. This is unlikely as the newly formed Blue and White party started as an alternative to Mr. Netanyahu after criticism of  Mr. Netanyahu's policies and an investigation underway.   ...

LyrArc Article Gist
Differences over Gaza policy in the ruling coalition in Israel lead to the reisignation of the defense minister Mr. Lieberman. The result could be early elections which Mr. Netanyahu called "irresponsible" considering the situation in Gaza and Israeli security.

LyrArc Article Gist
Prime minister Netanyahu of Israel says he will call snap elections if secular and religious parties in his centre right alliance do not come together to form a new government. Likud lacks the 61 seats for a majority in parliament resulting in negotiations with other religious and secular parties that back Netanyahu. Mr. Lieberman one of the secular party leaders says the ultra orthodox must serve in the military with other Israelis.