Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondent, and AP: General elections to be held in Israel by middle of February
Talkback
Title:everyone needs to take a `chill pill`
Name:idf_sergeant
City: State: IL
Let`s all step back, and not get too intensely wrapped-up in these new elections, since announcements and speculation will run rampant (including polls that will change like the wind this winter).

Some sense of proportion is needed ---

Israelis do not elect a Prime Minister to lead the Government. We elect parties. The constellation of many parties (and shifts in their loyalties) will continue to happen even AFTER the elections --- the reality is that Shas will again be in a position to negotiate to join the coalition once the elections are over.
Not much will change between now and February, I am convinced that the make-up of the Knesset will remain pretty much the same as it is now, and Kadima will be back at the same point they are right now.

And Israel will be 3-Billion NIS poorer.
(the costs for the elections)