Binyamin Netanyahu, Israeli opposition leader and Likud chairman, on Thursday evening urged the country to hold general elections, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Netanyahu told reporters at a press conference that the Kadima government has failed in security, economy and education in recent two and a half years.
"The only way to stop the deteriorating situation is to enable the people of Israel to elect a new government."
He added that "We need people of Israel to determine who will be Israel's prime minister, not Kadima party members."
The opposition chairman claimed his party could "restore security, boost the education system and stabilize economy," and Israel could be put on the track to success.
He said he had called on the new elected Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni to coordinate a date for general elections as soon as possible.
He added that he intended to approach Labor Chairman and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Shas Chairman and Labor, Trade and Industry Minister Eli Yishai, and other factions' leaders on the subject.
Livni has won the ruling Kadima party's primary with a narrow margin Thursday morning.
According to Israeli laws, after the new Kadima chair is chosen, Olmert will submit his resignation to President Shimon Peres and become caretaker prime minister. The cabinet will resign with him and become caretaker cabinet.
Following consultations with parliamentary factions, Peres will empower a lawmaker, most probably Livni, to establish a new government. Livni has 28 days, with a possible extension of 14 days, to form a new cabinet, which must be endorsed by the Knesset (parliament).
Only as Livni, or any other Kadima leader fails to establish a coalition, general elections will be held.
Source:Xinhua
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