Israel opposition leader nears deadline to form coalition government

Benny Gantz must strike deal by midnight, but suggests no progress made in negotiations

The Israeli opposition leader, Benny Gantz, has until midnight to form a government that could end Benjamin Netanyahu's historic tenure or risk pushing the country further towards an unprecedented third round of elections.

Paralysed for months by inconclusive ballot results, the political stalemate has played out during a fraught time for Israel as an increasingly open conflict heats up with Iran, its arch-enemy and a regional powerhouse.