Herzog challenges Netanyahu to debate

Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog on Thursday challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to debate him in public ahead of the March 17 elections.

In a Facebook video (Hebrew Link), Herzog suggests Netanyahu may be wary of accepting the challenge.

“So Bibi [a nickname of Netanyahu’s], you don’t want to debate me? What’s your story? Are you afraid of me? Are your advisers telling you ‘don’t take him on?’” Herzog taunts.

“I just want to talk, you and me facing all of the people of Israel. After six years, do you have anything new to say, to present? What are your plans? What is your diplomatic and economic plan? Why don’t you speak? You’re good at talking.”

“I invite you to a debate, say when and where. The people of Israel await you,” Herzog concludes.

The prime minister has not responded to the call, but has avoided debates in recent elections.

Polls conducted in recent days have shown the Zionist Camp’s recent lead over the Likud begin to slip away.

Jonathan Beck contributed to this report.