BICOM

With just a few days to go until polling day, the leading candidates picked up the pace of campaigning yesterday. Polls in both Yediot Ahronot and Maariv this morning indicate a four-seat lead for Zionist Union.

Likud leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a series of television interviews, openly contemplating the prospect of defeat. He told Channel Two that if Likud “can’t close the gap in the polls in the next few days,” then “there’s certainly a danger that Tzipi Livni and [Isaac] Herzog will be prime minister” as leaders of the Zionist Union. Netanyahu acknowledged that he “didn’t do enough” to tackle the rising cost of housing, a major campaign issue. However, he warned that “Any land relinquished will be grabbed by Islamic extremists” and that he is best placed to guard against such a prospect.

Netanyahu also appeared to rule out the prospect of a national unity government, saying “I won’t rotate the premiership.” Herzog appeared in agreement, also telling Channel Two “I don’t intend to rotate the prime ministership with Netanyahu; I intend to replace him,” urging voters “If you want change, if you want hope, come with me.” Herzog added that “Netanyahu failed, and he admits his failures,” pledging that he will bring “hope to the State of Israel.”

Herzog and Livni yesterday toured the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, traditionally a Likud stronghold. Herzog called the market “an amazing symbol of the Israeli mosaic” in which “everyone is looking for a change.” Appearing to caution against over-optimism, he pledged “we must continue to work hard” ahead of today’s vote.

Meanwhile, Zionist Union received the endorsement yesterday of former President Shimon Peres, who said he is convinced Herzog “will make a suitable prime minister.” Peres described Herzog as “a considerate leader who has maintained his integrity and is filled with responsibility for and dedication to the Israeli public.” Likud responded by branding Peres a “pronounced leftist” who is “devoted to a retreat” from the West Bank.