Possible scenarios as Netanyahu seeks Israeli premiership

U.S.-led panel arrives amid political turmoil

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -- Israeli right-winger Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to challenge Prime Minister Ehud Barak in a snap election paves the way for a legal battle to ensure he can take part in the vote.

Here are some of the scenarios that could be set in motion by Barak's resignation and the legal hurdles facing Netanyahu, a former prime minister who is the front-runner in opinion polls.

Special prime ministerial election

A special election for prime minister is due to be held within 60 days. Under Israeli law, only parliament members can run for prime minister in a special election, meaning Netanyahu would be ineligible to run unless the law is changed.

Netanyahu gave up his Knesset (parliament) seat and leadership of the main opposition Likud party after he lost to Barak in a general election in May 1999.

If Netanyahu is barred from making a challenge, Likud chairman Ariel Sharon is most likely to be Barak's main rival.

Opinion polls show Sharon will have a tougher time than Netanyahu against Barak at the ballot box.

Dissolving parliament

If the Knesset approves legislation to dissolve itself and bring elections forward, there would be a general election for prime minister and parliament which would be open to all challengers including Netanyahu.

The first of three readings needed to dissolve the Knesset and force early general elections passed last month.

A general election would normally take place 90 days later, but under a ruling by the Knesset legal adviser on Sunday, in the wake of Barak's resignation it would also have to take place within 60 days.

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Knesset, The Israeli Parliament
Likud
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Palestinian National Authority

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