Israeli News: A Daily Analysis

A Daily Analysis

By Marc Schulman

October 29, 2008- Elections and Education

Well, it is official: the Israeli elections will be held on February 10th. The Haredi parties did not like that date since it is the day after Tu Bi'Shevat, and Pensioners Party did not want the election not be held in February since it is the rainiest month and their voters might not come out in the rain (you cannot make these things up). Fortunately, making any of those changes would require changing the election law, so the election will proceed on the 10th.

With elections coming, everyone is in full election mode. Commentators felt the MK Netanyhu made his first election mistake today when at a special Knesset memorial session for former MK Rechavam 'Gandi' Zeevi, he gave a brazenly election speech, which is considered somewhat of a no no. Netanyahu felt the necessity of doing this to some extent after Shas stated that it was going to demand the Ministry of Education. Netanyhu was quick to make it clear that he was going to make sure that it was Likud that had that portfolio. Suddenly everyone wants to be the Minister of Education. That may have something to do with the fact that polls in Israel now show that education is the number one concern among Israeli voters. Of course all the candidates are promising to fix education in the same way.

Too lame ducks are getting together in the White House. Prime Minister Olmert and President Bush, the two least popular leaders in their respective countries' histories will get together one last time. Of course maybe the police will indict Olmert before that- but that may not be possible during a transition government.

There is a very interesting article by Thomas Friedman in today in the New York Times on how the drop in oil prices may affect Iran http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/opinion/29friedman.html - Show quoted text -