Israel gears up for early polls
October 10, 2012  09:12
Ending weeks of speculation, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for elections "now and as quickly as possible" amid projections that his Likud party will emerge stronger in the polls, giving him the mandate to carry out military action against Iran. 

In a televised speech, Netanyahu said that following discussions with his coalition partners, he has reached the conclusion that a responsible state budget cannot be passed. 

"An election year is approaching, and in such years it is difficult for parties to put the national interest ahead of the party's interest," he said, adding, "The consequence could massively increase the deficit, which can impair our economy. I won't let that happen here."
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