Embattled Sharon calls early Israeli elections

PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon called early elections yesterday, heralding three months of Israeli political turmoil and deepening uncertainty in the Middle East ahead of a possible US war on Iraq.

The upheaval that erupted in Israel after Mr Sharon's "unity government" collapsed last week also meant peace efforts with the Palestinians were certain to be put on the back burner.

"I will dissolve the Knesset and call general elections within 90 days," Mr Sharon told a news conference after failing to form a right-wing government to replace his 20-month-old broad coalition.