Party leaders prepare for Election Day

The Likud chose to end its election campaign Monday at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and senior party officials toured the place and spoke of the importance of keeping Jerusalem united.

Kadima leader and Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Greek singer Glikeria, while Labor Chairman Amir Peretz visited coffee shops on Rothschild Street in Tel Aviv.

Senior Likud officials devoted their day to tour strategic sites which they say should not be given away in a final peace deal with the Palestinians, including the Western Wall.

Netanyahu at the Wailing Wall (Photo: Reuters)

Knesset Member Yuval Steinitz, who accompanied Netanyahu, said: “Without the Likud, everything is lost for the nationalist camp because it will have no option for governance. Without Likud, Jerusalem is in danger. Kadima is guaranteeing to hold on to land in east Jerusalem but this is the beginning of a process which will end up in Hamas and its men reaching the Temple Mount.”

Peretz handing out flowers (Photo: AP)

Meanwhile, Labor leader Amir Peretz toured Rothschild Street in Tel Aviv with senior party members. Peretz chatted with people on the street and coffee shops and handed red carnations, which he said “grow overnight and have to be collected fast. All know what we are offering and why we are here. We are giving an answer to all – to employed people and we are placing people in the center.”

Olmert meeting with Glykeria (Photo: GPO)

Olmert for his part met Shimon Peres and other senior political figures, as well as Greek singer Glykeria.

Kadima is trying to convey business as usual, despite polls showing the party is weakening. The party is calling on eligible voters to vote, fearing that a low turnout might affected its expected landslide defeat.