Mr Netanyahu has seen his popularity grow after he refused to yield to
pressure from President Barack Obama to adopt a more accommodating policy on
Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank, an issue that has stalled
peace talks with the Palestinians for three years.
Although the prime minister is not obliged to call an election until October
2011, some observers say he wants to secure a fresh mandate before Americans
go to the polls in November so that he is in a strong enough position to
stand up to Mr Obama should the Democrat win a second term.
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