Former Israeli President Peres Endorses Herzog for PM

Former Israeli president Shimon Peres on Thursday endorsed Labor head Isaac Herzog for prime minister, five days before a snap general election.

"I support Issac Herzog for prime minister," said Peres, himself a long-time Labor member and leader.

"I have known Herzog and his family for many years, I've seen his excellent performances in senior positions and taking part in discussions and decisions crucial to Israel's future," he said in a statement.

Peres called 54-year-old Herzog a "level-headed" leader, who upheld his integrity and was "dedicated to the Israeli public."

Herzog is running in the March 17 poll against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as head of the center-left Zionist Union along with former justice minister Tzipi Livni.

Polls show their party holds a three-point lead over Netanyahu's right-wing Likud.

Peres, who stepped down as president in July, is a long-time critic of Netanyahu and his policies. In 1996, Netanyahu beat Peres in a premiership race.