World

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, second right, is leading in the polls after Israel's Cabinet announced January 22, 2013 as the date for parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Jim Hollander, Pool)

Israel's Cabinet has announced January 22 as the date for parliamentary elections, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading in the polls.

Netanyahu said he was forced to call early elections last week after he was unable to pass a budget for the coming year. Elections were originally scheduled for October 2013.

The Cabinet's decision Sunday awaits final approval from the parliament on Monday, where an endorsement is expected.

Most polls have shown Netanyahu is likely to retain his post if the current party alignment remains in place. He has presided over a stable coalition for nearly four years in a country where governments rarely serve out their full terms.