Netanyahu warns of dangers of Israeli early elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that early elections will be a disaster for Israel.

Mr Netanyahu was reported by the BBC making the remark at a cabinet meeting, as key coalition allies threaten to pull their support.

He is set to meet his finance minister later on Sunday, in a last-ditch attempt to avert early elections.

The political crisis began after Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman quit in opposition to a ceasefire with Gaza militants after three days of fighting.