A fragmented right wing hinders Netanyahu's reelection…

A fragmented right wing hinders Netanyahu's reelection campaign, as does voters' growing dislike of his inconsistent peace policies and his often abrasive style.

In addition, a series of scandals have plagued his administration, including his appointment in 1997 of Likud party functionary Roni Bar-On as attorney general.

Allegations that Bar-On would arrange a plea bargain for a Netanyahu ally who had been charged with fraud and bribery lead to a series of confidence votes in the Knesset.

Former defense minister Yitzhak Mordechai, former finance minister Dan Meridor, and Tel Aviv Mayor Roni Milo break away from Likud to form a new, more moderate Center Party; Benny Begin, son of former Likud prime minister Menachem Begin, leaves the party to head a new, more hawkish group called the National Unity.