Benjamin Netanyahu

12:10 - PM Netanyahu orders advancement of plans to build 800 homes for Jewish settlers in last days of Trump’s presidency.

Israel's parliament dissolved on Wednesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fractured ruling coalition failed to pass a budget, triggering a fourth election in two years and renewing an unprecedented political crisis.

If budget is not agreed on Tuesday, parliament will dissolve and trigger snap election in March

Trump also to take part in call, Israeli officials tell local media; Israeli airlines all plan to operate routes; diplomat says Biden unlikely to reverse West Sahara decision

Bill passes 10-7, with Blue and White voting in favor alongside opposition parties; legislation now heads to plenum for 3 votes, first of which is set to take place Monday

16:17 - Says Blue and White will back preliminary bill Wed. to disband parliament; Netanyahu, by refusing to pass budget, ‘decided to break up the coalition and drag Israel to elections’

14:50 - Good Friday Agreement lawmaker Lord Trimble nominated the Israeli PM. He also nominated Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Crown Prince. Israel has normalised ties with Gulf states Bahrain and UAE in recent months. There are rumours that Netanyahu even travelled to meet MBS in Saudi Arabia.

17:52 - PM reportedly intends to discuss constructing thousands of homes in Atarot with Pompeo, wanting to establish facts on the ground before Biden takes office

16:10 - President-elect Joe Biden spoke with the leaders of Israel and India on Tuesday as he continues to shore up support from key global allies before entering office in January.