Netanyahu Makes A Political Comeback

JERUSALEM — Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Israeli prime minister whose political career appeared over last year, is on course to rise to high office again after being reconfirmed leader of the Likud Party yesterday.

The result entrenches Mr. Netanyahu as de facto leader of the Israeli opposition and positions him to challenge once again for the job of prime minister after the next general election.

After leading the right-wing Likud to just fourth place in last year's general election, Mr. Netanyahu's blend of free-market and tough-on-Arabs policies appeared to be an electoral hindrance.

But his support grew after the coalition government of Prime Minister Olmert became entangled in last summer's war in Lebanon. Internal Likud polls suggested Mr. Netanyahu enjoyed 70% popularity, which made yesterday's election a relative formality.