BICOM

Party leaders across the Israeli political spectrum have been carefully positioning themselves over the weekend ahead of tomorrow’s vote.

In an interview on Channel Two, Netanyahu focused on diplomatic and security issues, indicating that under his leadership Israel will not “go back to the impossible-to-defend [19]67 lines, and divide Jerusalem,” which he said would lead to “Hamas 400 metres from my home.” Supporting Netanyahu’s position, Likud-Beitenu activists yesterday draped large banners over the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City reading “Beware, 1967 border ahead.”

Meanwhile a row erupted between Jewish Home and Likud-Beitenu. Claims of extremism were made against Jewish Home candidate Jeremy Gimpel, when a video emerged over the weekend in which he appeared to welcome the idea that the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, a prominent Muslim shrine, might be blown up. Gimpel subsequently said the comments were taken out of context, and Jewish Home accused Likud of leaking the video. Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett then accused Netanyahu of “launching an ugly campaign against the national religious public of unprecedented proportions.” Last week, Jewish Home campaign posters emphasised the party’s desire to work together with Netanyahu’s Likud-Beitenu list.

Labour Party leader Shelly Yachimovich yesterday campaigned in Tel Aviv, accompanying parents taking their children to kindergartens. She said, “Since social-democratic values are mainly associated with women, and the women in this party are feminists, we turn to these women and say: you can beat Netanyahu.” Yesh Atid also focused on women, sending Lihi Lapid, wife of party leader Yair Lapid, to talk with undecided voters, while leading candidate Yael German said the party will “give equal opportunities to women to reach equal status and salary.” Meanwhile, Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni rallied her supporters saying, “We are the only ones who can stand against the dangers of the radicalism that is sweeping the country.”