(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121009-netanyahu-kb-1232p_2.photoblog600.jpg)Lior Mizrahi / Getty ImagesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the press in Jerusalem, Israel, Oct. 9, 2012.By NBC News and wire servicesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Tuesday for an early election, seeking to strengthen his political position after signaling that any military action against Iran could be months away.
Follow @NBCNewsWorld (http://twitter.com/NBCNewsWorld) Opinion polls suggest Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party will coast to victory in the national vote, which he said in a televised announcement could be held within three months.
Netanyahu, in office since 2009, cited bickering among his partners in the governing coalition over cuts in the budget as a main reason for opting for a new ballot. Israel was not due to hold a parliamentary election until October 2013.
"At this time, in the face of the turmoil around us, security and economic, it is my obligation as prime minister to put the national interest above all. Therefore I have decided for the benefit of Israel to hold elections now and as quickly as possible," he said.
NBCNews
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