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GUEST: Uri Davis, Israeli Peace Activist

Israelis began voting today in general elections widely regarded as one of the most important in its history. Late opinion polls revealed a high percentage of undecided voters raising the possibility of surprises. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is expected to win. He has called the vote a referendum on his plans to unilaterally draw Israel’s borders. Jewish settlers in the West Bank cast their ballots for parties that vowed to resist any pullout from Palestinian territory. And many Israelis in Tel Aviv welcomed any prospect of reducing Israel’s occupation. Meanwhile the Palestinian parliament approved Hamas’ new Cabinet and their basic principles on Tuesday. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is expected to swear in the new government on Thursday.