Israel faces new election as government formation deadline passes

Third poll in 12 months looms after coalition talks break down

Last updated: December 12, 2019 | 03:41

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Benny Gantz, leader of Blue and White party, and Yair Lapid attend a parliamentary vote for its dissolution and approval of a date for a third national election in less than a year, at the Knesset, or Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem December 11, 2019.

Reuters

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Occupied Jerusalem: Israel’s politicians failed to form a governing coalition Wednesday, prompting a third round of elections in 12 months.

MPs had been given until midnight to find a candidate capable of gaining a majority in the parliament, or Knesset, following deadlocked September polls, but the talks broke down.

Fresh elections will now be held in early March, with the date still being discussed by the Knesset.

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