Israeli Cabinet sets Jan 22 national election date
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JERUSALEM (REUTERS) - Israel's Cabinet announced on Sunday a Jan 22 date for a national election, a ballot that opinion polls predicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would win.
The date needs to be approved by the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, which convenes on Monday to vote to dissolve itself and move up an election originally scheduled for October next year.
"The Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal to hold Knesset elections on Jan 22, 2013," a statement from Mr Netanyahu's office said.
Mr Netanyahu called last week for an early election after his governing coalition failed to agree on the 2013 state budget. A new public mandate would strengthen his political standing as Israel confronts the challenge of Iran's nuclear programme.
