PM says dissolving Knesset meant to avoid throwing country into disarray after government failed to pass settler bill; Lapid to take over as interim PM, says would not wait for polls to begin tackling challenges country faces

Former PM tells reporters Bennett and Lapid's decision to dissolve Knesset, triggering snap elections, is a chance to 'get rid of the worst government in the history of Israel'; adds will not form a coalition with Islamist Ra'am party

Defense minister tells Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee a response to Iranian aggression will come both in real world and in cyber space; senior Iran official says alliance is a sign of 'desperation'

Coalition chiefs concede efforts to salvage government have failed, will give joint statement at 8pm; Lapid to assume role of interim prime minister at least until new government is formed

Cybersecurity authorities say hack breached municipal alert systems but not essential IDF infrastructure; internet expert says hack reveals vulnerability of non-critical systems, calls for increased protection

Moscow reportedly set to demand that UN Security Council condemn alleged Israeli strike on Damascus airport causing serious damage and putting it out of commission for days

Bennett hails cooperation with Ankara that led to arrest of Iranian operatives in number of different incidents, stresses travel advisory for Israelis still stands despite recent successes as terror threat looms