Israel faces new election as government formation deadline passes

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.