Former President Shimon Peres announced Thursday that he is endorsing Labor leader Yitzhak Herzog for Israel's next prime minister. 

Peres is himself a former Labor leader, who served as acting prime minister on three different occasions in three different decades. He left the party in 2005 to join Ariel Sharon's Kadima, under which he was elected Israel's 9th President in 2007. 

In a memo, published only five days before elections, Peres said "Israel's democracy is approaching election day. It is natural that people of different opinions will vote according to their consciences."

"As for me - I support Yitzhak Herzog for prime minister. I have known Yitzhak Herzog and his family for many years. I saw him from up close excellently performing senior positions and taking part in discussions and making serious decision for Israel's future."

"This is a considerate leader who has maintained his integrity and is filled with responsibility for and dedication to the Israeli public," Peres continued. 

"I am convinced that Yitzhak Herzog will make a suitable prime minister and that he will be a leader who will know how to bridge gaps, and connect Israeli society with the glue of solidarity and hope."

Two days ago, Channel Two reported that Herzog had been in contact with Peres' associates about the former president expressing his support for prime ministerial candidate. 

Herzog denied the report, calling it nonsense, and claiming he had nothing to do with it.