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Israel's Prime Minister calls early elections

Israel Materials 9 October 2012 23:37 (UTC +04:00)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called early elections Tuesday, saying talks with coalition leaders had convinced him he would not be able to pass next year's budget, dpa reported.
Israel's Prime Minister calls early elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called early elections Tuesday, saying talks with coalition leaders had convinced him he would not be able to pass next year's budget, dpa reported.

In a televised news conference, the premier said consultations he had been holding with coalition leaders had convinced him he would be unable to pass a "responsible" budget for next year, since parties were putting "narrow political interests" ahead of the good of the state.

"It is my obligation as prime minister to put the national interest above all," he said.

Netanyahu did not name a date for the new poll, but said a three-month campaign would be better than an economically-damaging year-long drift toward elections.

Israeli media speculated the new elections would be held sometime from mid-January to mid-February.

Israel's next elections were originally due in October 2013.

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