Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement this evening following the government's intention to dissolve the Knesset next week. "This is an evening of great news for the masses of citizens in Israel," Netanyahu said.

"A fundamental correction is needed here, it is necessary to rehabilitate the State of Israel and we have the ability to do that. I intend to form a strong and stable national government."

Netanyahu added that "a government that was dependent on supporters of terrorism, that abandoned the personal security of the citizens of Israel, that raised the cost of living to levels we never experienced, that imposed unnecessary taxes, that endangered the Jewish character of our country - this government is going home!"