Jerusalem - Despite Benjamin Netanyahu's best efforts to flag security as the biggest issue keeping Israelis awake at night, the reality is far more mundane. For most voters, it is the price of housing that matters.
Voters head to the polls on Tuesday for Israel's second election in just over two years, with Netanyahu -- a security hawk and economic rightwinger -- seeking a third consecutive term.
Netanyahu has based his reelection campaign solidly on security issues, namely his bid to derail an international effort to reach a deal with Iran that he says would pose a threat to Israel's existence.
But centrist and left-leaning parties, who recent polls show have jumped ahead of Netanyahu's Likud party, have focused instead on bread-and-butter issues like housing and the rising cost of living.
For many voters, their message is hitting home.
"The housing problem is the most significant issue (in the election)," said Eitan Ben Eliezer, who lives with his wife Tal and their two small children in a rented flat on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
"Even if you work and manage to save, say, $750 to $1,000 a month, even that wouldn't be enough for a down payment on a house," he said.
If Netanyahu is vulnerable on any social issue, analysts say, it is housing.
Since taking office in 2009, the Israeli leader has failed to curb soaring house prices, which jumped by 55 percent between 2008 and 2013, according to figures in a damning report released last month by the state comptroller's office.
AFP
