Cabinet approves Jan. 22 elections date

Government votes in favor of early election date unanimously; bill to go before Knesset on Monday

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 10.14.12 , 14:56

The Government voted in favor of January 22 as the date for Israel's early elections. Sunday's vote was unanimous. The bill will be presented for a Knesset vote on Monday.

Barring any last minute surprises the vote is expected to pass in the House, as well.

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The coalition has essentially agreed on the date. Initial objections by Shas dissipated throughout the morning.

Labor and Defense Minister Ehud Barak's Independent Party also voiced their support for the date.

Yisrael Beiteinu said last week that the party will back the earliest date proposed so to prevent a prolonged campaign that might paralyze the economy, as well as the political arena.

Tomorrow the Knesset winter session will end within hours once it started, and Knesset members depart for a long recess.

The Knesset will begin its winter session on Monday, and is scheduled to debate and vote on a bill calling for the dissolution of the House by the end of the week.

The Knesset's opening session will include speeches by President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin and Head of Opposition Shaul Mofaz.

Moran Azulay contributed to this report

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