Israeli leaders seek an edge in tight election race

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to extend Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank that are home to Jewish settlements if re-elected

Retired Israeli general Benny Gantz at an Israeli election campaign event. Pic: Getty

It was practically an aside, coming in response to an interviewer’s question on a Saturday evening news show. But suddenly, after 52 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, the issue of annexing territory there became an election issue.

Three days before today's election,Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to extend Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank that are home to Jewish settlements if re-elected, giving voice to the long-held dream ...