OPINION ' Unique Precedents /-KENNETH W. STEIN Special To The Jewish News I srael's election campaign for the 15th Knesset and prime minis- ter is like none other in Israel's history. Barring an unlikely war with the Arab world or some heinous physical violence perpetrated against --Jsraelis, the dominant election issue will not be the Arab-Israeli peace process. The election will be a referen- dum on economic promises not kept, wrenching domestic and social issues, the incumbent prime minister's style, and an across-the-board decline in for- eign relations. There are other firsts. Tones and pace for managing rela- tions with the Arab world differ, but Likud, Labor and centrist party lead- ers reflect similar basic views: the West Bank and Gaza will be shared with the Palestinians, a way needs to be found to leave southern Lebanon quickly, negotiations with Syria should be restarted, and Israel must retain security control over Jerusalem as an undivided city. \, Several months prior to Israel's last ,) election, four bombs were exploded by Palestinian extremists. They severe- ly hurt the election chances of Shi- mon Peres, the incumbent Labor Party prime minister. So far, neither the Palestinian community nor other Arab states have done or said much to influence Israeli voters. Arafat sud- denly has grown speechless about declaring an independent state on May 4, 1999. He does not want to create anxiety among Israeli voters, though he may not be able to control an outbreak of violence or attacks against Israelis. In the days and months prior to the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Israeli elections, when such dreadful acts occurred, the incumbent in office was blamed. Approximately 4.5 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the May 17 elections. Again, as they did for the first time in the 1996 elections, Israeli voters will cast separate ballots for prime minister and for their favorite political party list. For example, it is possible for someone to vote for the \ , Labor Party but also vote for Bibi /-' Netanyahu as prime minister. All polls indicate that none of the major party candidates for prime minister will receive the absolute majority needed to avoid a runoff. Therefore, this will likely be Israel's first election where the parliamentary GREATEST LEASES. BUY NOW. Current Cadillac Lesses Receive Additional 1,000 AVAILABLE TO GM EMPLOYEES AND IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS. SmartLease $399* Per Month/24 Months $2,000 Due at Signing No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease Plus 0,318 One time payment 24-month lease No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease $399* Per Month/24 Months S2,913 Due at Signing No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease Plus 91,174 One time payment 24-month lease No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease $499* Per Month/24 Months $1,993 Due at Signing No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease Plus $12,333 One time payment 24-month lease No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease $329* Per Month/24 Months S1,933 Due at Signing No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease Plus One time payment 24-month lease No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. $8691 SmartLease $479* Per Month/24 Months 51,959 Due at Signing No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. SmartLease Plus '16,436** One time payment 24-month lease No security deposit required. Taxes, title, license and registration are extra. *GMAC Smartlease 24 or 36 months, sec. deposit included in amount due at inception. Plate or transfer fee due on delivery. State and lux. tax additional, mile limitation of 12,000 per year. 200/mile excess. Lessee has option to purchase at lease end for pre-determined amount. To get total payments multiply by the number of months. "*Based on approved lease must adhere SAB. A RINKE CADILLAC General Motors F amily 1917 Since 1-696 AT VAN DYKE 758-1800 MASTER DEALER n-tmcAlH) E t ENcE If traveling west on 1-696, exit Hoover, follow Service Drive to RINKE. If traveling east on 1-696, exit Van Dyke; take the second bridge past Van Dyke over expressway to RINKE. Open Monday 8-9 p.m., Tuesday 8-6 p.m., Wednesday 8-6 p.m., Thursday 8-9 p.m., Friday 8-6 p.m. 3/5 1999 Detroit Jewish News 31