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JERUSALEM (AP) — Opinion polls in Israel make Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the frontrunner in upcoming elections, but they also suggest he doesn't have a lock on victory like he once did.
A slew of challengers, including some of his traditional supporters, are taking aim at the longtime Israeli leader, saying that after nearly nine years in office, it is time for a new face at the top.
Netanyahu's approval numbers are dropping and, for the first time, a newly formed opposition alliance is inching past his Likud party in the polls as the largest parliamentary faction.
When Netanyahu dissolved his unwieldy coalition and called new elections last week, the move was seen as a tactical decision to guarantee a fourth term. But in just a few days, an "anyone but Bibi" campaign — referring to Netanyahu's nickname — has gained traction and his maneuver is looking increasingly risky.
The election is set for March 17.
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APPHOTO DV501: File - In this Dec. 3, 2014 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a faction meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem. A slew of challengers, including some of his traditional supporters, are taking aim at Netanyahu, the longtime Israeli leader, saying that after nearly nine years in office, it is time for a new face at the top. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File) (11 Dec 2014)
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