Netanyahu calls early elections
Israel’s prime minister has ordered new parliamentary elections in early 2013, roughly eight months ahead of schedule.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was forced to order the vote after his coalition could not agree on a budget.
But conditions are ripe for Mr Netanyahu’s re-election.
Riding high in opinion polls, he faces no serious challenger and could be eager to win a new term ahead of what is expected to be an economic slowdown next year.
Mr Netanyahu began his address with a list of his accomplishments, saying his government had boosted security and improved the economy.
He did not set a date, but said it would be “preferable to have as short a campaign of possible” and hold the vote in the minimum three months.
