15 days to voting. It's looking like things are going to be different after the upcoming Israeli elections. What appeared to be a Likud slam dunk is looking to be very different now. And even if Likud should win, it appears they won't have Labor to kick around in a Unity government.

Shady deals bring Israel's Bulldozer close to defeat
It is a make-or-break weekend for Israel's hawkish Prime Minister, who is fighting for his political life amid an explosive corruption scandal

What Are Friends For?
by Uri Avnery

Sharon's election campaign started like the triumphal march of a Roman emperor returning from victorious battle. The imperator stood in his carriage accepting the roars of adulation, while the chained captives (the Labor Party leaders) shuffled behind.

But the march hit a mud pit. And with every step, it sinks more.
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Glimmers of Hope
by Aron Trauring

I mentioned how I recently was on a panel with the economic counsel of Israel in New York. In his speech, he argued as follows: "It is obvious that the majority of Israel supports Sharon's policies. Polls show he will get 41 seats and lead the next coalition. After those elections, those who criticize him need to shut up, since the people have spoken. That's what democracy means." [I am not making this up! This is almost word for word what he said].

What a difference a couple of weeks can make.
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It's their turn now
By Gideon Levy

It's been a long time since Israel's Arab citizens had an opportunity like this; they must not let it slip by. Now that the High Court of Justice has done its job and overturned the disgraceful decisions of the Central Elections Committee, which prohibited MK Ahmed Tibi and MK Azmi Bishara and his party Balad from running in the Knesset elections, it is now up to the Arabs in Israel to fulfill their duty - by coming to the polling stations in their masses on January 28 to cast their vote. Without any ifs or buts. They can vote Hadash-Ta'al, Balad, Labor, Ra'am or Meretz - the main thing is for them to take part in the elections. As things appear now, they have the power to influence Israel's image for the years ahead. If they truly have a deep commitment to peace, to the fate of their Palestinian brethren, to the values of justice and equality, they must act on that commitment on January 28. They don't have an opportunity like this to exert influence in every election.
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Mitzna to announce Labor will not join
Sharon-led coalition

Labor Party Chairman and prime ministerial candidate Amram Mitzna is to announce at a press conference Tuesday that the Labor Party would never, under any circumstances, join a coalition government headed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

In a display of commitment to this new policy, Mitzna will be joined at the press conference by every member of the party's Knesset faction. He will tell reporters that the electorate has just two options: A rightist-religious government or one of which he is the head.
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Israel Elections 2003