Netanyahu hints at September election

JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled on Sunday that he wants to hold new elections in September, more than a year ahead of schedule, setting up a brief campaign that polls suggest will propel him to another term in office.

A new election would add more uncertainty to the decision whether Israel should take military action against Iran's suspect nuclear program.

Addressing a convention of his Likud Party last night, Netanyahu sounded as if he were already running, presenting his government's accomplishments. He said he had strengthened the economy, boosted security and put the issue of Iran on the international agenda.

He also left little doubt about his intentions to call elections and form a broad coalition.

"I believe we will get a renewed mandate from the citizens of Israel to continue to lead the country. With God's help, we will form as wide a government as possible," he said. "I won't lend my hand to an election campaign that will last a year and a half and damage the state. A short campaign of four months is better."

Netanyahu gave no firm date for the vote, despite days of speculation it would be set for Sept. 4. The parliament must approve new elections and their date.

Polls suggest Likud is expected to win at least one-quarter of parliament's 120 seats to become the legislature's largest faction.

The prospect of an election campaign has set off a debate over whether Israel might try to attack Iran. Attacking during the campaign would inevitably lead to charges that Netanyahu is trying to win votes.