Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his candidacy Tuesday for leader of the ruling Likud Party, issuing a direct challenge to the current party head, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Internal Likud polls show the hawkish Netanyahu beating Sharon among Likud members in a matchup for party leader, though Sharon is far more popular among the general Israeli population. “I intend to lead the party to victory in the coming elections and form the next government,” Netanyahu said.Full Story