It was, the prime minister claimed, an event meant to transcend politics. But despite repeated denials from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud Party that his controversial speech to the US Congress was really a ploy meant to boost his sagging popularity only days before Israel’s national election, Likud has now released a last minute campaign video ad showing Netanyahu being applauded, cheered and getting a standing ovation from US congressmen – the bulk of whom are Republicans. The ad was released yesterday after new polls showed Netanyahu and Likud trailing the opposition Zionist Union by 3 to 5 seats. The election is Tuesday.