A defensive Netanyahu announces elections hours after firing opposition members Lapid and Livni

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

http://mondoweiss.net/2014/12/announces-elections-opposition

“Swift elections must be held, and a new, united and strong government must be formed,” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced this evening calling for early Knesset elections hours after firing opposition members Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni from his cabinet.

Netanyahu opened a televised press conference from his Jerusalem office, “I turn to you, the citizens of Israel, this evening because under the current situation, from within the current government, it is impossible to lead a state,” He then outlined his achievements in office, citing his dealings with the Iran, construction in Jerusalem and Gaza, stating he led “one of the best and most stable governments in the history of Israel.”

Yet Netanyahu took a decidedly defensive position railing against his critics, as he has done in Knesset sessions over the past few days, lambasting cabinet members and political rivals Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni by name.

According to an early partial transcript published by Haaretz he said, “During Operation Protective Edge, I led the operation with the defense minister and the chief of staff – we acted with determination and consideration, and I was not put off by criticism or background noise.” He continued, “But this government has been much harder.”

[sabbat hunter]

1. This is pretty much a dupe

of the thread here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/113489191

I am surprised that Bibi did not wait until after Likud primary elections to solidify his standing as leader of Likud before calling for these new elections.