Israel will hold its third general election in less than a year after parties missed the deadline on Wednesday to form a coalition government.
Israel has been locked in a political stalemate following inconclusive elections in April and September.
Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party and the largest opposition Blue and White party led by former general Benny Gantz failed to put together a governing coalition by the deadline.
Another general election will be held in early March, in accordance with Israeli law.
A focus of the election will be whether Netanyahu can stay in office, after his 10 year tenure.
Prosecutors announced in November that Netanyahu will be indicted for charges including bribery and fraud.
NHK
