Israel PM announces move to dissolve parliament

The coalition government headed by  Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Israel would vote to dissolve the parliament within next week leading to fifth election in three years.

Bennett who could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition will step aside to be replaced by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Reuters reported.

Lapid, a former journalist who heads the largest party in the coalition, will serve as interim prime minister until new elections can be held. "We are standing before you today in a moment that is not easy, but with the understanding we made the right decision for Israel," Bennett said in a televised statement as he stood alongside Lapid. A vote will be held in parliament next week, after which Lapid will take over the premiership, according to Bennett's spokesperson, Reuters reported.

BBC reported the coalition had been teetering for weeks. Last week, Yamina MK Nir Orbach resigned from it, saying the government had failed in its main mission "of lifting [Israelis'] spirits" - a move which left it with only 59 seats. Others had also threatened to rebel.

Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently standing trial on corruption charges which he denies, said it was "great news for millions of Israeli citizens". "This government is going home," he said, adding that he would form "a wide, national government" headed by his Likud party, BBC reported quoting the former PM.

Reuters reported that the move came just weeks ahead of a planned visit by US President Joe Biden which the government had been counting on to help boost regional security ties against Israel's longtime enemy Iran. However, the eight-party coalition, including hard-right, liberal and Arab parties with deep differences on questions from religion to the Palestinian issue, had faced growing strains as its slight majority was cut by defections.