A poll published Friday morning revealed that Sharon has turned the tables on Netanyahu, who was far ahead of the Prime Minister in polls carried out last month. A Globes-Smith survey showed that two-thirds of the respondents do not have a favorable opinion of Netanyahu.
Netanyahu and Knesset Member Uzi Landau, who also is running in the leadership race, want the Likud Central Committee to set a late November date for the elections. Sharon wants the vote to take place in mid-2006, as originally planned, but has suggested a compromise date for this winter. Landau and Netanyahu have rejected the offer.
The Smith-Globes poll also disclosed that respondents disagree with the claim that elections should be advanced because Sharon's expulsion plan contradicted the Likud party platform.
Another poll published in an Israeli newspaper earlier this week showed that Netanyahu has lost ground and that most of the Likud party members oppose early elections.
One of Netanyahu's supporters said Netanyahu was ahead of Sharon when the issue was ideological, but that he lost ground when he attacked Sharon personally and turned the issue into "Bibi or Arik." He said Netanyahu should have remained silent and has tarnished his image by making damaging remarks.
Sharon also can expect a boost in popularity when he visits the United Nations next week, when American Jewish leaders are preparing to roll out the red carpet.
Netanyahu and Knesset Member Uzi Landau, who also is running in the leadership race, want the Likud Central Committee to set a late November date for the elections. Sharon wants the vote to take place in mid-2006, as originally planned, but has suggested a compromise date for this winter. Landau and Netanyahu have rejected the offer.
The Smith-Globes poll also disclosed that respondents disagree with the claim that elections should be advanced because Sharon's expulsion plan contradicted the Likud party platform.
Another poll published in an Israeli newspaper earlier this week showed that Netanyahu has lost ground and that most of the Likud party members oppose early elections.
One of Netanyahu's supporters said Netanyahu was ahead of Sharon when the issue was ideological, but that he lost ground when he attacked Sharon personally and turned the issue into "Bibi or Arik." He said Netanyahu should have remained silent and has tarnished his image by making damaging remarks.
Sharon also can expect a boost in popularity when he visits the United Nations next week, when American Jewish leaders are preparing to roll out the red carpet.