ISRAEL

Netanyahu Announces Early Elections

Says coalition government can’t agree on a national budget.

When this man hints he might take action, chances are he will. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early elections in Israel Tuesday, after saying his coalition government cannot agree on a national budget. Netanyahu held meetings last week to decide whether to continue pushing a 2013 budget, or to hold early elections. In a speech Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that he decided, “for the benefit of Israel, to hold elections now and as quickly as possible.” He is reportedly hoping to take advantage of high approval ratings for himself and the entire Likud party. Elections are expected to be held in late January or early February.