There are signs that Israel will be spared the nightmare of a third election. The politicians of the two major parties may be coming to their senses. Prime Minister Netanyahu, who engineered the second election less than a month ago, has realized that he lost mandates in this second round and, for all we know, internal polls may be indicating that he may fare even worse next time.
His rival Benny Ganz of the Blue and White party also seems to sense that compromise is best. He has made it known that he’s prepared to join forces with Netanyahu’s Likud in a rotation as prime minister. Ganz’s rival within the party, Yair Lapid, who had a rotation arrangement with Ganz as party leader, has given up his claim thus making it possible for Ganz to take office when his time comes.
Ganz has also declared that he’s prepared to let Netanyahu take the helm first. This may turn out to be in the national interest, because many predict that within the next year or so Netanyahu will come to an arrangement with the attorney general to drop the charges against him on condition that he steps down as prime minister and leaves public office. Israel doesn’t want to see a second prime minister in jail (after Ehud Olmert who has served time and is now a private citizen).
Netanyahu may welcome this arrangement. In addition to the prospect of prison hanging over him, he must have realized by now that it may only be a matter of time before Trump – once allegedly Netanyahu’s and Israel best friend – dumps us the way he has just dumped the Kurds. There’re also signs that the US president wants a deal with Iran – and to hell with Israel.
Israel is said to preparing for it militarily and, therefore, the Iranian regime may not seek to attack Israel out of fear of what may happen to it when confronting Israeli military power.
If the two major parties in the Knesset, Blue and White and Likud, that between them have a majority, form a government, they won’t need the small parties with them. Though Netanyahu has insisted that he goes with all his right-wing allies, prudent expediency is pointing in a different direction. And, if monies will continue to be given to the ultra-Orthodox and their men won’t have to serve in the army, they’re likely to cooperate, even if they’re not in the government.
This arrangement would leave Avigdor Lieberman, once considered the kingmaker, out in the cold. It’s not likely that anyone other than his own supporters will shed tears over that.
Though nothing is yet a done deal, it seems that the public at large would welcome an arrangement as suggested above. Were either of the two major parties to force another election, many Israelis would turn against it, because most of us crave stability and security, which has come under serious threat in the course of current machinations.
Of course, nothing formal will happen during the coming week of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, but no doubt many politicians will huddle together to work on a deal. The result won’t be ideal, but it’s likely to be preferable to its alternative.
All good wishes for a joyous festival. Despite the uncertainties and concerns, and notwithstanding the fickle nature of politics in general and Israeli politics in particular, let’s pray for good news in the New Year.
Republished from San Diego Jewish World