Likud Deputy Minister Naomi Blumental's driver has been remanded for five days in the ongoing investigation into alleged Likud election fraud. Blumental herself is also expected to be summoned for questioning regarding allegations that she paid for hotel rooms for Likud Central Committee voters the night before the primaries. In a related case, a Likud activist arrested a week ago had his custody extended yesterday for yet another five days; he has appealed this decision. In addition, at least three other Likud activists of various levels are being investigated on suspicion of financial irregularities.
The most recent surveys show the Likud losing ground, but not dangerously so. Polls by the Geocartographic Institute and Dialog show that support for the Likud is equivalent to some 35-36 Knesset seats, 22-24 for Labor, and 14-15 to Shinui. The Geocartographic poll gives 65 seats to the entire right-wing, with the Likud's lost seats going to Shinui, the NRP, and even Labor.
The Shas party says that Labor and Shinui are engaged in an "unrestrained race to see who can uproot more of the Jewish character of the State of Israel." Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna said yesterday that he would nullify the Ministry of Religious Affairs if he were to become Prime Minister.
The most recent surveys show the Likud losing ground, but not dangerously so. Polls by the Geocartographic Institute and Dialog show that support for the Likud is equivalent to some 35-36 Knesset seats, 22-24 for Labor, and 14-15 to Shinui. The Geocartographic poll gives 65 seats to the entire right-wing, with the Likud's lost seats going to Shinui, the NRP, and even Labor.
The Shas party says that Labor and Shinui are engaged in an "unrestrained race to see who can uproot more of the Jewish character of the State of Israel." Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna said yesterday that he would nullify the Ministry of Religious Affairs if he were to become Prime Minister.