Feb. 10 set as Election Day in Israel

JERUSALEM, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Members of the Israeli Knesset say Feb. 10, 2009, will serve as Election Day for the country's top political positions.

Prior to Tuesday's decision by the Israeli legislative group, opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu began his quest for one of those leadership positions, Debkafile said Wednesday.

Netanyahu said if he is elected to replace Ehud Olmert as Israeli prime minister, Israel would ensure Iran never becomes a nuclear power and all peace talks involving Israel would come from a position of power.

Olmert resigned his position amidst allegations of corruption but is serving as interim prime minister until the elections.

Debkafile said the Israeli parliament is expected to officially dissolve next week in anticipation of the formation of a new government through the February elections.

Israeli Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On is urging legislators to pass a state budget for next year before parliament disbands, the Israeli Web site reported.