Peres endorses Herzog for prime minister

 

"The Israeli democracy is approaching the day of choice. It is natural that people will have differing opinions and that they will vote according to their conscience. As for me, I support Issac Herzog to be prime minister," Peres stated.

 

"I have known Isaac Herzog and his family for many years," Peres said. "I have seen him up close fill a number of senior positions excellently, as well as taking part in serious and impactful discussions on Israel\’s future."

 

Peres called Herzog "a cool-headed leader who has maintained his honesty and is full of responsibility and dedication to the Israeli public."

 

"I am convinced that Isaac Herzog is worthy to be prime minster and that he will be a leader who knows how to bridge the gaps and to unite the Israeli society with the glue of solidarity and hope."

 

Herzog said earlier on Thursday that in light of the latest polls that put his party several mandates ahead of the Likud, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "displayed severe panic and returned to the rhetoric of fear and threats in recent days."

 

A series of internal polls taken this week by the Zionist Union by former prime minister Ariel Sharon’s pollster, Kalman Geyer, found the Zionist Union leading the Likud by five to seven Knesset seats – the Zionist Union with as many as 28 and as few as 24 seats, and the Likud with as many as 21 and as few as 18.

 

Speaking in an interview with Army Radio on Thursday, Herzog discussed the possibility that President Reuven Rivlin would select him to form the next coalition following the March 17 election. "I have spoken with many of the party leaders and understand well  that things said before the election and are not necessarily honored after the election. I am sure of my ability to form a good government."