Posted on 12/05/2011 6:25:00 PM PST by Nachum
(Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Monday for a snap leadership vote in his Likud party, a contest he is expected to win and which could pave the way for an early national election in Israel.
Some commentators said Netanyahu was quietly preparing for the possibility that President Barack Obama, with whom he has had a testy relationship, will win a second and final term in November, a year before Israel's currently scheduled ballot.
Freed of campaigning interests if he wins, the Democratic president could redouble pressure on the rightist premier to accommodate the Palestinians in peacemaking, deepening political division in Israel to the Likud's detriment, analysts predict.
"I wish to announce that I will request elections on January 31 for the leadership of the Likud and its candidate for prime minister," Netanyahu told Likud legislators at the open part of their weekly meeting in parliament.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
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Bibi is reading the political tea leaves well. He is one smart cookie.
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