While the major parties compete over who can best handle the Palestinian issue and the economy, Israel's Green Leaf Party is seeking entry into the Knesset on a platform of legalising cannabis.
Polls show young voters disenchanted with the main parties may give Green Leaf its first foothold in parliament during Tuesday's election, when the ruling Kadima party is expected to easily win a mandate for withdrawing from parts of the West Bank while annexing larger settlements.
Green Leaf's mastermind is mustachioed party chairman Boaz Wachtel, 47, a slow-talking but sincere marijuana aficionado, inventor and satellite-television operator. He views cannabis as 'a vitamin for the soul, a companion, a way to relax, a natural aphrodisiac, a pain reducer, an inspiration and a creativity booster'.
Mr Wachtel would like the estimated 16 per cent of the Israeli population who admit to having smoked it at least once to be able to acquire it openly without police harassment.
A grin periodically forms on Mr Wachtel's face as he answers questions at party headquarters in Tel Aviv. At one point he has trouble remembering the name of acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
But he is serious, even idealistic when it comes to the question of adopting a Dutch-style liberal drug policy for Israel. This, he insists, would help addicts and open new vistas for society as a whole.