JERUSALEM (AP) - An Israeli official says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to decide by next week whether to move up national elections
The vote currently is scheduled for October 2013. But the official says the Israeli leader told political allies Sunday he wouldn't cave in to "extortion" and might call an early vote.
He said Netanyahu is afraid coalition lawmakers will make unreasonable budgetary demands.
A court order to end draft exemptions for religious seminary students is also threatening the coalition. Netanyahu's powerful partner, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, has threatened to bring down the government if the exemptions are extended.
Despite these internal challenges, polls suggest Netanyahu and his hawkish allies would be re-elected.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss a confidential meeting.
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