Israeli Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have agreed to present a proposal to dissolve the Knesset next week, in a remarkable development that represents their admission that efforts to rescue the government have failed, according to the Time of Israel newspaper.
The Israeli channel also reported that the next elections will be scheduled for October 25.
Reuters quoted an Israeli official as saying on Monday that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had agreed to dissolve parliament, and that Lapid would take over as prime minister, confirming previous local media reports about this matter.
The official added that a vote would be held in parliament next week, after which Lapid would become prime minister.
The Israel Broadcasting Corporation quoted Defense Minister Benny Gantz as saying that the government will continue as an interim government to function as much as possible.
He added, "It is unfortunate that the country is dragged into elections, and we will continue as an interim government to work as much as possible."
For its part, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the agreement between Bennett and Lapid came after exhausting attempts to make the alliance stable during two months of turmoil.
Lapid and Bennett are expected to issue statements at 8 p.m. today.