Leon says he does not need Jewish Home support in Jerusalem

Jerusalem mayoral candidate Moshe Leon said that he was not worried about a report Friday suggesting that the local Jewish Home party will endorse rival Ofer Berkovich.

Moshe Leon will face off with Ofer Berkovich in a November 13 runoff after the one in the 40% support in Tuesday's elections that is required to win outright.

Following reports that the Jewish Home would back his rival, Leon said that " I am a religious Zionist and do not need the mediation of the local leadership of the party in Jerusalem, which I respect, in order to mediate between me and the public from which I come.

"My 'deal' "They are able to count on me to take care of themselves", added Leon.

According to Yisrael HayomThe Jewish Home faction will endorse Berkovich in exchange for receiving deputy mayor position. In addition, they claim that the Jewish Home is in a position of influence and is likely to be affected by the East Jerusalem portfolio if Berkovich is elected.

A source in the Jewish Home involved in the talks told Israel Hayom that "Bennett is returning from the US tonight and we are prepared for a signature that will take place on Sunday.We will take a decisive position on the entire issue of East Jerusalem.

A source told the newspaper that the agreement between the Jewish Home and Berkovich stems from the rivalry between faction leader Naftali Bennett and Leon's boss Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman.