以色列议会解散三月举行新选举

Israeli lawmakers have agreed to hold new elections on March 17 after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would dissolve the current parliament "as soon as possible."

Party officials decided on the date Wednesday, a day after Mr. Netanyahu fired two key ministers and called for early elections.

The parliament was due to begin the process of dissolving itself Wednesday in order to pave way for the March vote.

Opinion polls indicate that Mr. Netanyahu's party would likely retain power, allowing him to remain in office.

He said Tuesday that he wanted a "clear mandate" to carry out his policies, and that he would "no longer tolerate an opposition inside the government."