The upcoming Israeli election, which was set yesterday for January 22, after Israel’s Knesset dissolved itself and which will see Israel’s 5.5 million eligible voters go to the polls, is already generating political intrigue. Speculation is swirling about several relatively popular politicians who are currently on the sidelines and may choose to formally run for prime minister. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Deputy Prime Minister Tzipi Livni are considering their options from within the Kadima party. Meanwhile the religious Shas Party, in a surprise move, invited back its former leader Aryeh Deri to helm the party after a 13 year political exile. Shas is currently led by Eli Yishai, who led Shas during Deri’s absence and is now facing an internal struggle for control of party.

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