- Title: JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls an early election
- Date: 10th October 2012
- Summary: JERUSALEM (OCTOBER 9, 2012) (REUTERS) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER ENTERING CONFERENCE ROOM NETANYAHU LOOKING AT REPORTERS (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING: "At this time, in the face of the turmoil around us, security and economic turmoil, it is my obligation as prime minister to put the national interest above all. Therefore I have de
- Embargoed: 25th October 2012 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Jerusalem
- City:
- Country: Israel
- Topics: Politics
- Reuters ID: LVAD8QIXONI7AK68WS16GDIHHQBP
- Story Text: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (October 9) called for an early election, taking time out to try to boost his political strength after signalling that any military action against Iran could be months away.
Opinion polls show Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party would coast to victory in an early poll which he said in a special televised announcement could be held within three months.
Netanyahu, in office since 2009, cited bickering among his partners in the governing coalition over cuts in the national budget as the main reason for opting for a new ballot. Israel was not due to hold a parliamentary election until October 2013.
"At this time, in the face of the turmoil around us, security and economic, it is my obligation as prime minister to put the national interest above all. Therefore I have decided for the benefit of Israel to hold elections now and as quickly as possible," he said.
The ballot, which Israeli commentators predicted would be held in January or February after parliament votes to dissolve itself - possibly within days - seemed likely to focus on two main issues: Iran's nuclear programme and the Israeli economy.
People in Jerusalem thougt that Netanyahu choose the right time for the election so he will be elected again.
"He can get the vote, you have nobody in front of him and I think he knows if he gets the election in the normal time he will never be elected again perhaps. So now it is a perfect time for him, he will pass the budget he can make a war he can make everything he wants after," said Clair from Jerusalem.
But an election campaign would not necessarily have an impact on any Israeli timetable for possible military action against Iran's nuclear facilities.
In a speech to the United Nations last month Netanyahu signalled any strike against Iran could wait until next spring or summer when he said Tehran might be on the brink of building a nuclear bomb.
Israel, widely believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear power, says Iran is enriching uranium with the aim of producing an atomic weapon. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
An opposition supporter was happy to hear Netanyahu's announcement.
"February, it is too late we are very happy, we are from the opposition, I am from the opposition, so I am very happy that he is announcing that he is going to elections. We are very happy for the Israeli people to [have the] chance to change Netanyahu, to throw him away," said Sarika Tahenen from Jerusalem.
Netanyahu would remain as prime minister in a transition government should parliament dissolve itself in the coming days. Elected in 2009, he presides over a five-party coalition government that controls 66 seats in the 120-member parliament. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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