Netanyahu Says It Would Be “Mistake’ to Hold Elections Now

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that holding elections now would be a “mistake”, as he faces the possibility of a snap vote should he fail to pass a national budget.

The budget will have its first reading on Jan 28 in Israel’s Parliament, where Netanyahu’s coalition is able to exercise a majority thanks only to the uncertain cooperation of a former ally.

“Of course I’m concerned… I think we’re in a very sensitive situation,” Netanyahu said at a televised press conference. Failure to pass the budget by March 31 would trigger early elections.

“I think the last thing we need right now is elections. We’ll have elections later on this year, but I think it’s a mistake to have them now,” he said. Elections are due to be held by November. (AFP)