Yuli Edelstein

Once approved by the Knesset, the legislation would pave the way for the reconstruction of the four communities razed there that year.

The High Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that the structures in Khan al-Ahmar could be razed but this never ended up happening.

Edelstein told US Ambassador Nides that settlement building must continue and defended Ben-Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount.

The Knesset's foreign affairs and defense committee chief also defended Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to Temple Mount last week.

10 of 12 chairs were approved, while the two other committees will be headed by Likud MKs who will be approved in a faction meeting.

Prominent Likud members and MKs did not receive the ministerial posts they hoped for - several already voiced their displeasure with the PM.

"I said all along I would respect any decision Netanyahu made and stay in the race until I bring the Likud back to power," said Yuli Edelstein, the only candidate still standing.

With nine candidates running, Israel's next prime minister could be elected by the fewest people ever.

Likud members speculated that Edelstein was banking on Netanyahu stepping down if, as expected, the budget is passed in November.

Speaking at a conference of local authorities, Netanyahu said: 'We will return quickly and fix things. [Our return] could take two weeks or three and a half years.'