Netanyahu wants new parliament if he is to run for prime minister

The 51-year-old politician in the conservative Likud opposition party explained on Israeli television that the distribution of power among the parties in the current Knesset - whose 120 members come from 15 factions - made meaningful governing practically impossible.

Legislation to dissolve the Knesset is expected to come up for a final vote next week, but the parliament is not expected to pass it. Playing a particularly important role in the outcome of the vote is the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party with 17 members in parliament. It is showing little inclination to approve the measure because it stands to lose a third of its seats to Likud if new elections are held soon.

A new poll for prime minister was necessitated when Netanyahu's successor, Prime Minister Ehud Barak, announced his resignation Sunday. Israeli law demands a new election within 60 days.

Israel's new leader should be a Knesset member, but on Wednesday, the Knesset decided on a first reading of legislation that would allow Netanyahu to run although he is not a member of parliament. Netanyanu has been enjoying clear leads in opinion polls over Barak.

(la/dpa)