Netanyahu calls early Israel poll

October 10, 2012 04:14

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called an early general election, which could come as soon as January, nine months ahead of schedule.

Netanyahu said the new elections for the 120-member Knesset -- the Israeli parliament -- would take place "as soon as possible."

His right-wing coalition government has been in power since 2009.

Although he remains a popular leader he has been unable to agree the annual budget with his coalition partners.

The next election had originally been scheduled to take place in October next year.

Netanyahu said he had decided to pull the date forward because bickering among his coalition partners had made it impossible to pass a "responsible budget" for 2013.

"At this time, in the face of the turmoil around us, it is my obligation as prime minister to put the national interest above all," he said.

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