Israeli parliament takes first step towards new election

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel moved towards a new election after parliament gave preliminary approval on Monday to a dissolution motion as Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to form a government remained deadlocked.

In order to disperse and set an election date, parliament would still have to hold a final vote that is unlikely to take place before Wednesday, when a deadline for the prime minister to announce a governing coalition expires. Israel last held an election in April.

(Reporting by Jeffrey Heller; Editing by Maayan Lubell)