As electioneering ramps up, Peres appeals for civil discourse

Israel will have to grapple with serious issues in the upcoming elections, but the newly announced vote must be conducted in a civil and clean manner, President Shimon Peres said Wednesday.

Peres met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the early vote, a day after Netanyahu announced the country would go to the polls in early 2013 and not as previously scheduled later in the year.

“We have our enemies, but also no shortage of options and opportunities,” Peres said.

The president added he hopes “the campaign will be a lesson in democracy and civilized bearing, free of slander, couched in tasteful language and exhibiting mutual respect between the parties.”

Stressing his government’s achievements during its nearly four-year reign, Netanyahu said security and the economy would be at the top of his agenda.

“Even during the brief campaign that lies ahead my guideline and main consideration will be fortifying the security of Israeli citizens and boosting the Israeli economy,” he said.