JERUSALEM, Nov. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Knesset (parliament) Speaker Reuven Rivlin announced Tuesday evening that the early general elections would be held on March 28, 2006.

   Legal wrangling ensued after prime minister Ariel Sharon asked President Moshe Katsav on Monday to issue an executive order to dissolve the parliament. Dissolving the Knesset by such an order would allow Sharon to appoint ministers without parliamentary approval until elections.

   Knesset factions opposed such a move, demanding that Katsav allow them to pass legislation on dissolving the parliament, which would necessitate Knesset approval for the prime minister's ministerial appointments.   

   Under the compromise reached between President Katsav and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, elections will be held on March 28, and the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee will continue deliberating legislation on dissolving the Knesset and holding early elections.

   But Sharon will be able to issue a decree on dissolving the parliament with President Katsav's agreement until December 8.

   If he does issue such a decree in time, legislation on dissolving the parliament will be halted and the prime minister will be able to appoint ministers without the approval of the parliament.  Enditem