New election looming for Israel

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Israel appears set for a snap election after the head of the governing Kadima party, Tzipi Livni, said she had given up efforts to form a coalition, reports BBC.
She said she had decided to recommend new elections were held after potential partners had made "economically and diplomatically illegitimate" demands. Ms Livni had set other parties a Sunday deadline to join Kadima in government.
But on Friday the key Shas party turned her down. Ms Livni is due to meet President Shimon Peres later on Sunday.
After briefing him on her attempts to form a new government, Mr Peres has three days for further consultations.