Eve of Elections Roundup

The polls open at 7:00am tomorrow morning.  5.2 million Israelis are eligible to vote for Israel’s next leading party.  Likud and Kadima are head to head for the top spot.  We will know tomorrow night whether Tzipi Livni or Benjamin Netanyahu will have the chance to become the next Prime Minister of Israel.

Enjoy the last of the pre-election news from around Israel and the  world:

Netanyahu, Livni both sure of victory

Likud, Kadima leaders hint they won’t join other’s coalition; 5.2m eligible to vote; Polls open at 7 a.m.

Netanyahu says won’t name Lieberman defense minister if elected

Likud chief refuses to commit to negotiations with Syria if he is tapped to form next government.

Yisrael Beiteinu bans Israeli-Arab reporters from its campaign gathering

While Arab reporters were told they needed personal invitation, Jewish and foreign reporters entered freely.

Police on high alert ahead of Election Day

Some 16,000 officers prepare to deploy across country Tuesday in order to ensure safe, proper election proceedings.

 

Israeli Vote Brings Push For Release of Soldier

A New York Times look at the Gilad Shalit situation

1 out of 8 voters is abroad

Jerusalem Post, Israel – Only those able and willing to pay to fly back to Israel are permitted to participate in the elections

Israeli voters told choice is either Livni or Netanyahu

Irish Times, Ireland – Palestinian foreign minister Riad Malki accused Hamas of trying to influence the elections by continuing to fire rockets from Gaza into Israel

Outcome of Israeli election could test Obama policies

Kansas City Star, MO – Israelis choose a new prime minister in elections for the Knesset, or parliament, that also will determine whether Obama has a willing Israeli partner