BFF-52 Netanyahu says wants similar right-wing coalition after elections

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Netanyahu says wants similar right-wing coalition after elections

JERUSALEM, Dec 24, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu said Monday he hoped for a similar right-wing coalition after early
elections that his government agreed to hold in April.

Netanyahu, speaking to journalists after the polls were announced, laid
out what he sees as his achievements and said he hoped the current coalition,
seen as the most right-wing in Israel’s history, serves as the “core” for the
next one.

“The current coalition is, in my eyes, the core of the next coalition,”
Netanyahu said.

“We ask for a clear mandate from the voter to continue to lead the state
of Israel in our own way.”

Elections were not due until November, but there had long been speculation
that the coalition would not last that long, especially in recent weeks.

Netanyahu has been clinging to a one-seat majority in parliament since
defence minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned over a controversial Gaza
ceasefire in November.

He is also under pressure after police recommended his indictment in three
different corruption probes.

Despite that, polls indicate Netanyahu would remain prime minister after
new elections and some analysts believe he would be better positioned to face
potential criminal charges with a fresh electoral mandate.

BSS/AFP/RY/20:22 hrs