Report: Netanyahu to seek early election

JERUSALEM, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has decided to call for an early election rather than try to pass a budget for 2013, a Knesset leader said.

Netanyahu had indicated he would make a final decision when the Knesset returns from recess Oct. 15, but people who spoke with the prime minister said he had already decided, The Jerusalem Post reported Thursday.

"There is no doubt that a political ruling has been made and all of the parties are ready for an election," Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin said.

Rivlin told Netanyahu and coalition chairman Zeev Elkin to begin planning for elections as soon as lawmakers return to session, the Post said. He said if the Knesset was not dissolved immediately attempts would be made to pass costly legislation that could harm the economy.

Rivlin said holding elections quickly was important to allow a state budget to be passed as soon as possible after voting.

If the Knesset is dissolved Oct. 15, the earliest an election could be held would be Jan. 15, the Post said.

However, Rivlin and Netanyahu's office both said an election later in February was more likely.