Israeli PM Netanyahu facing "quiet rebellion" in tight election
TEL AVIV -- Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Monday that a Palestinian state will not be established if he is re-elected, a reversal of his position six years ago and part of what people in Israel are calling frantic last-minute campagining ahead of parliamentary elections.
"We will continue to build and fortify Jerusalem," said Netanyahu. "So it's division would become impossible."
As Netanyahu's popularity has dropped in recent days, he has appeared to some as increasingly desperate. Netanyahu called this snap election three months ago, expecting a break-no-sweat cruise to reelection.
Instead, his opponents have gained steam, and poll numbers for his Likud party are faltering.
"I would say there is a feeling that there is a kind of quiet rebellion against the rule of Benjamin Netanyahu," said Israeli author Ari Shavit.
Critics say Netanyahu ignored pocketbook issues: high taxes and real estate prices that tripled in the last decade.
Shiran and Tal Vardi are giving up their dream of ever buying an apartment.
"No, we can't buy a house, because we need to pay so much money to the government and taxes are very high," said Shiran.
"I don't want to see Bibi anymore," said Tai. "If he will stay, we will go. We can't live here any more. We will find somewhere else."
With the polls set to open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, the best guess for Prime Minister Netanyahu's reelections is in the helpful words of one observer, a tossup.