In recent months, to combat the collapse in his own share of the projected vote (down from more than 40 seats to about 32 in the 120-member Knesset) Mr Netanyahu has tried to re-establish his right-wing credentials.

BBC: Naftali Bennett

The damaged panel allowed searing hot gases to seep into the wing on re-entry, causing the craft to lose control and disintegrate.

CNN: NASA, Texas towns mark Columbia disaster

The orbiter broke apart February 1, minutes after experiencing problems with its left wing during a re-entry attempt.

CNN: Piece of shuttle left wing identified

They're trying to put a moderate face on an ultra-right-wing party.

CNN: Specials

That piece of insulation, which fell off 82 seconds after launch, hit the leading edge of Columbia's left wing and caused enough damage to bring about the shuttle's destruction when it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere February 1.

CNN: Columbia probe seeks better monitoring

It was a gash on the wing of space shuttle Columbia that caused its destruction and the deaths of seven astronauts during re-entry February 1, 2003.

CNN: Endeavour docks with space station