In Israel, President Reuven Rivlin decided on Sunday to give opposition leader Benny Gantz the first chance to form a new government as part of a general election this month. This is seen as a shock to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel: After months of political deadlock, Oppn leader Gantz has been asked to form the govt

Israel edged closer to snap polls as a bill to dissolve parliament passed its first reading in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-moves-towards-new-vote-as-netanyahu-struggles-to-form-government-222075">general election</a> last month.

Pitched into chaos by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to form a governing coalition after the April polls, the Knesset voted 66 to 44 in favour of a new election, tentatively scheduled for September 17, the parliament's website said.

Later on Tuesday, a committee was to meet to prepare the bill for its second and third readings, which if passed would make the bill law.

No timetable was published for the two final votes on the legislation, which had passed an initial reading Monday night.

Netanyahu's Likud party submitted the bill to dissolve parliament Monday as a Wednesday night deadline to form a viable coalition loomed with negotiations deadlocked.&nbsp;

Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has blocked a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand -- and he showed no sign of backing down on Monday.

Lieberman is seeking a guarantee that legislation aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service -- like other Jewish Israelis -- be approved without changes.

His party controls five seats in parliament and Netanyahu needs his support for the coalition he is seeking.

If a deal is not reached by Wednesday night's deadline, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin could give Netanyahu another two weeks if he concludes the premier is the only person capable of forming a government.

Alternatively, Rivlin could ask another member of parliament to take on the task.

Netanyahu is widely seen as preferring new elections rather than leaving the choice up to Rivlin, due to the possibility someone else could be selected.

Netanyahu could also seek to form a minority government.

Israel edged closer to snap polls as a bill to dissolve parliament passed its first reading in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite a general election last month.

Israel edged closer to snap polls as a bill to dissolve parliament passed its first reading in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite a general election last month. Pitched into chaos by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to form a governing coalition after the April polls, the Knesset voted 66 to 44 in favour of a new election, tentatively scheduled for September 17, the parliament's website said. Later on Tuesday, a committee was to meet to prepare the bill for its second and third readings, which if passed would make the bill law. No timetable was published for the two final votes on the legislation, which had passed an initial reading Monday night. Netanyahu's Likud party submitted the bill to dissolve parliament Monday as a Wednesday night deadline to form a viable coalition loomed with negotiations deadlocked. Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has blocked a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand -- and he showed no sign of backing down on Monday. Lieberman is seeking a guarantee that legislation aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service -- like other Jewish Israelis -- be approved without changes. His party controls five seats in parliament and Netanyahu needs his support for the coalition he is seeking. If a deal is not reached by Wednesday night's deadline, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin could give Netanyahu another two weeks if he concludes the premier is the only person capable of forming a government. Alternatively, Rivlin could ask another member of parliament to take on the task. Netanyahu is widely seen as preferring new elections rather than leaving the choice up to Rivlin, due to the possibility someone else could be selected. Netanyahu could also seek to form a minority government.

Israel inches closer to snap election with overnight vote

Israelis go to polls in referendum on PM Benjamin Netanyahu's record reign

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">general election on April 9</a>.

The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations',&nbsp;the military said in a statement.

They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added.

Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election.

Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks.

Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority.&nbsp;

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> is also running for re-election&nbsp;against former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office.

Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election.

His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9.

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9. The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations', the military said in a statement. They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added. Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election. Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks. Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also running for re-election against former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform. Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office. Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election. His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.

Access points from Gaza, West Bank to be closed for 24 hours for election: Israel