Israelis are preparing to vote in a general election on Tuesday.

　　Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling on voters to focus on several important issues.

　　"When you vote for a big ruling party you vote for a united Jerusalem; for security; for jobs and for the economy and most importantly it gives us the power to lower the cost of housing."

　　Netanyahu earlier said that dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions is most important for him.

　　Netanyahu's Likud party last October announced a merger with former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's far-right Yisrael Beitenu, or Israel Our Home party, a leading partner in the current coalition government.

　　The party scoring the highest number of seats in the 120-seat Knesset is usually chosen to form a governing coalition.

　　Despite slipping in the polls, Netanyahu is still the favorite to secure a third term in office.