[Brian Nelson, Cnn Anchor:] Tuesday's critical Israeli election is pitting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak against the right-wing hawk and former Israeli defense minister, Ariel Sharon. Barak is running a distant second in the latest opinion polls. We get more on this now from CNN's Christiane Amanpour, who is in Tel Aviv.
[Christiane Amanpour, Cnn Correspondent:] Israel buries it dead: Two men killed in drive-by shootings on Thursday. And the Palestinians lay to rest one of their young men, shot and killed the same day. In response, Israel has again blocked off Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank. And against this backdrop, the Israeli election campaign continues. Prime Minister Ehud Barak continues to pay the price at the polls. Although he is trailing badly, he tells CNN that Israelis must be prepared for the pain that comes with making difficult concession for peace.
[Ehud Barak, Israeli Prime Minister:] However tough, we are suggesting the right solutions for the country and that we should be ready for it and even take certain price of pain in order to have them. But they are the real solutions to our problem.
[Amanpour:] On the campaign trail, Barak met enthusiastic crowds, young people and others holding rallies for prime minister on this day. He even got a much-needed boost from former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Hugely popular here and eager to keep the peace process on track, Clinton gave a interview to Israeli television.
[William J. Clinton, Frm. President Of The United States:] I can't say enough about how much I respect the risk that Prime Minister Barak is taking. I do not believe that they have caused the this intifada.
[Amanpour:] Barak's opponent, Likud Party leader Ariel Sharon, has declined all request for interviews ahead of the election. But on the campaign trail, he had this to say.
[Ariel Sharon, Likud Party Leader:] Look, I think that President Clinton is admired here in Israel. But to say that for the Israeli citizens to elect the prime minister that they will decide upon.
[Amanpour:] And with just a few days until Israelis vote, Sharon maintains a 20-point lead in the opinion polls. Still, Barak says that he's the man who will walk the extra mile and take the risk for peace. [on camera]: Is the risk worth perhaps the sinking of your political career?
[Barak:] Let me tell you, I don't take myself so seriously as to pretend that I am more important than the future of this country.
[Amanpour:] A future that he believes he can secure. Christiane Amanpour, CNN, Tel Aviv.