Israel Schedules Early Elections for January

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing security and economic reasons, announces in a statement delivered in his Jerusalem offices, Israel, 09 October 2012, that he is taking the country into early general elections. EPA/BGNES

Israel's MPs have voted to dissolve the Knesset, scheduling early elections for January 22 2012.

A total of 100 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill to dissolve the Knesset and none opposed.

Haaretz has reminded that Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu announced new elections last week, months ahead of time, because the Knesset could not agree on a new a budget.

In a speech ahead of the vote, Netanyahu has listed his accomplishments and said that the Iranian threat must be taken seriously by any future leader of Israel.

"In less than 100 days the people of Israel will decide who will lead them in the face of the greatest security challenges we have known since the state was established," Netanyahu has said, adding that he believes it is "appropriate" for the Prime Minister to seek a renewed mandate from the public.

Netanyahu has presided over a conservative coalition for almost four years.

Most surveys indicate that his conservative Likud party will emerge as the largest party in the next parliament, enabling it to lead a majority coalition of nationalist and religious parties that is similar to the outgoing government.

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