Polls Show Left Pulling Ahead in Final Weekend Before Israeli Elections

The final polls to be published before next Tuesday’s election in Israel were released on Thursday, most showing the Leftist Zionist Union party pulling ahead of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud by several seats. When asked by the Jerusalem Post if he would retire should his party suffer defeat next week, Netanyahu replied confidently “I am not dealing with retirement. I am dealing with victory.” Meanwhile, Zionist Union chairman Isaac Herzog told Channel 2news that “Netanyahu failed, and he admits his failures. I plan to replace him. I am focused on winning the elections and bringing hope to the State of Israel.” However, there was a sour note for Herzog and his running mate Tzipi Livni on Thursday when a campaign trip to Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market was met with a very chilly reception, including one disgruntled shop owner who flatly told them to “go home!” Read More