It is disturbing to note that the corruption endemic in Israeli politics continues and that it is possible that a right-wing leader may succeed at the polls who is being investigated for fraud. This follows, of course, upon the present incumbent who is under investigation for high-level corruption.

This trashes completely the incessant claim by Israel to be the only democracy in the Middle East.

That Israel is a corrupt society is not in question - at least as far as its political class is concerned. Which begs the question as to why anyone would take this forthcoming election seriously. Whatever the outcome, we will be left with a sleazy politician with sticky hands and an ability to bend facts to his or her satisfaction.

That is unfortunately, or even tragically, not to the benefit either of Israel or the Diaspora and both anti-Israel feeling as well as anti-Semitism will continue to rise worldwide.

The solution? Elect a government of integrity and probity that the world can see will make a genuine effort to co-operate with the indigenous peoples of the region so that a peaceful settlement to the conflict can ensue.

The alternative? Nuclear war in the Middle East and the consequent danger to the world.