Israel election: Prime Minister Netanyahu calls early poll

[Bezant]

Benjamin Netanyahu said the new elections for the 120-member Knesset - the Israeli parliament - would take place “as soon as possible.”

His right-wing coalition government has been in power since 2009.

Although he remains a popular leader he has been unable to agree the annual budget with his coalition partners.

The next election had originally been scheduled to take place in October next year.

‘Turmoil’
Mr Netanyahu said he had decided to pull the date forward because bickering among his coalition partners had made it impossible to pass a “responsible budget” for 2013.

“At this time, in the face of the turmoil around us, it is my obligation as prime minister to put the national interest above all,” he said.

“Therefore I have decided for the benefit of Israel to hold elections now and as quickly as possible.”

(bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19891455)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s snap election call has ignited a debate in the country’s main newspapers about his intentions. Many see it as a timely move to keep him in power while no major rivals are on the scene.

(bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19895766)