When Israelis went to bed Monday night, there was no indication of any forthcoming news on the early elections, which had been set for September 4. When they wake up, however, they will learn the elections have been cancelled.

 

This is the result of a deal announced at 2 AM to have the opposition leading Kadima Party join the coalition government, with Shaul Mofaz taking the role of Deputy Premier, and the party promising to not cooperate in any efforts to force new elections, leaving Netanyahu in power until fall of 2013.

The Israeli parliament was in the process of negotiating to disband tonight, but instead will continue through the end of its term. Exactly what this will mean for Israeli politics and, most importantly, the war on Iran, hasn’t been made clear.