Knesset eyes January 22 for elections

PM's Office said to favor fourth week of January for elections; Knesset still has to approve bid

Moran Azulay|Published: 10.11.12 , 15:43

The Knesset elections will likely be held on January 22, the Prime Minister's Office announced Thursday following consultations with faction heads.

A Knesset dissolution bill will be discussed at the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs on Sunday and will brought before the House for a vote at the plenum a day later.

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Netanyahu said in meetings on Tuesday evening that he prefers scheduling the elections for January 15, but some coalition lawmakers disagreed. Nevertheless, the prime minister had expressed willingness to postpone the date by a week or two.

He said on Tuesday that a shorter campaign season is in Israel's best interest.

Labor Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich, who was among the party leaders who discussed the matter with the prime minister on Tuesday, said she prefers the vote to be set for January 29.

Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz told Netanyahu that his party is ready for the elections to be held on either of the proposed dates. United Torah Judaism seconded the sentiment.