JERUSALEM, May 06 (AP/UNB) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to declare that early elections will be held less than four months from now, a move that would give him a referendum on his leadership that would help him fend off both Israeli and international critics.

The government's term can last through October 2013. But his coalition partners are challenging the Israeli leader on an array of domestic issues. He might also fear that after U.S. elections in November, the domestic pressure will be compounded by pressure from Washington to refrain from attacking Iran or make peace with the Palestinians.

Polls suggest his re-election chances are good.

Officials from his Likud Party say that Netanyahu will announce Sunday night that the vote will be held Sept. 4.