Netanyahu leaning toward moving up Likud race

[Jefferson23]

PM moved up last two races in order to catch his potential competitors off guard.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to call for a new Likud leadership primary after the Succot holiday ends, a source close to him said Wednesday.

The source confirmed reports that Netanyahu is leaning toward advancing the race in order to ensure that the Likud is prepared for the next general election. The Likud must hold a leadership race ahead of every general election.

While such races tend to be held in proximity to general elections, Netanyahu moved up the last two races to much earlier in order to catch his potential competitors off guard.

Likud sources said in mid-July that if Netanyahu emerged from Operation Protective Edge with what could be characterized as a victory, he could repeat the pattern and take advantage of his post-war popularity. When the operation ended, Netanyahu's popularity nosedived. But following his confrontation with US president Barack Obama's administration over building in Jerusalem last week, it rose again, setting the stage for Netanyahu advancing the race.

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Netanyahu-leaning-toward-moving-up-Likud-race-378446

[azurnoir]

1. wonder who'll win?

so the appearance of putting Obama in his place plays well with the Israeli public?