Speaking with 103 Radio on Tuesday evening, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman was asked to comment on the candidacy of Minister Ze’ev Elkin in the Jerusalem mayoral race and rumors his Yisrael Beitenu party is working to sabotage his chances of being elected.

Speaking with hosts Ben Caspit and Aryeh Eldad, Lieberman stated he is unfamiliar with the persons in the Jerusalem race and at present, his party has not endorsed any of the candidates. “Moshe Leon was close to me, but at present, we are not endorsing any candidate in the Jerusalem race,” Lieberman explained.

Kol Berama:
Moshe Leon isn’t angry?

Lieberman:
I think Moshe Leon understands our considerations and accepts them.

In the 2013 elections, Moshe Leon ran against Nir Barkat with the support of the Likud-Yisrael Beitenu and Shas, against Barkat. Barkat emerged the victor by a margin of 51 percent against 45 percent for Leon.

Now, Leon has not succeeded in obtaining the support of either Shas leader Aryeh Deri or Lieberman.

It should be noted that unlike the previous elections in which there were only 3 contenders, there are currently 7 contenders, which will probably lead to a second round. A survey conducted a few weeks ago shows that Leon is winning over Elkin but recall that while Leon began his campaign five years ago, Elkin announced his candidacy only a few weeks ago.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)