Israel was on the verge of installing the first Muslim Cabinet minister in its 58-year history Monday after the government overwhelmingly approved the appointment.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Three of the right-wing Likud party's four cabinet ministers resigned on Thursday in a move that will have no direct impact on the viability of Israel's caretaker government ahead of the March general election.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Cabinet ministers from Israel's right-wing Likud Party are expected to tender resignations from the coalition government on Thursday, Israeli television said.

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom conceded defeat to Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday in a Likud party leadership election. Shalom, Netanyahu's chief challenger, said he had called the former prime minister to congratulate him on his victory.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Benjamin Netanyahu's top rival in the race to lead Israel's Likud party congratulated him on Tuesday after exit polls projected he would win the party primary, Channel One television said.