Netanyahu to challenge Sharon

FORMER Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday announced his candidacy for leadership of the ruling Likud Party, issuing a direct challenge to current party head Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Internal Likud polls show the hawkish Mr Netanyahu beating Mr Sharon among Likud members in a match-up for party leader, though Mr Sharon is far more popular among the general Israeli population.

The next election in Israel is scheduled for November 2006. Mr Netanyahu made his announcement with a strong attack on Mr Sharon, who is in the midst of his plan for Israel to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, a move popular with many Israelis but despised by hard-line Likud members.