AIDES to Mr Shimon Peres admit they are concerned by an apparent late surge in support for Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, writes David Horovitz.
The latest opinion surveys show Mr Netanyahu has whittled away still more of Mr Peres's once impressive lead. A survey published yesterday in Israel's biggest selling newspaper, Yediot Ahronot, showed Mr Peres only 2.4 per cent ahead, compared with 6 per cent a few days ago and this survey was carried out before Mr Netanyahus' impressive performance in Sunday night's television debate.
The majority of Israeli political analysts agree that the Likud challenger outsmarted Mr Peres in that debate, and his polished performance could win over some of the last undecided voters, whose support could prove decisive in so closely fought an election.
One aide spoke wistfully of Mr Peres's assassinated predecessor, Mr Yitzhak Rabin, noting that Mr Netanyahu would not have dared use some of the contemptuous language he employed had he been debating Rabin.
Adding to Mr Peres's woes, a number of ultra Orthodox rabbinical leaders openly declared their support for Mr Netanyahu yesterday. And while some of that backing may be offset by the Israeli Arab community's overwhelming support for Mr Peres, the ultra Orthodox community is likely to turn out en masse, whereas many Israeli Arabs may not bother to vote.