Israel’s Government: Another Wave of Indecision?

JERUSALEM — Is it a sign of trouble? Or another wave of indecision?

Itamar Ben-Gvir has demanded more control over the police, and threatens not voting with the coalition if it is not given.

Apparently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) has said “go ahead,” or “find a better home for yourself.”

Likewise with rumbles from Yariv Levin, Bezalel Smotrich, and Simcha Rothman.

They’re all in it together. And if they do not stay together, they’ll fall together.

That’s an element that Bibi is up against. He didn’t choose this coalition, but it was handed to him for management.

The mixture of extremists and others gives him latitude, as well as headaches. They’re talking up a storm, but not doing what they are promising or threatening.

Where else can they go? And what else can Bibi do?

He is revealing himself as a moderate, compared to the extremists. And so far he’s keeping the ship afloat.

The polls are showing that he’d lose, with Benny Gantz the big winner, but so far no election is in sight.

Ben-Gvir, meanwhile, is preparing to speak at a European event, despite efforts of some to avoid him, or to avoid the meeting.

For the 18th straight week, there were demonstrations against the coalition’s “movement” against the judiciary. The biggest was in Tel Aviv, and others were held in cities throughout the country, as well as at our nearby bridge over Route 4, between Bnei Dror and Even Yehuda.

Somewhere close to crucial is the Knesset’s consideration of the budget. It’s in the way of judicial reform. The coalition will not press the reform issue while the budget is being considered.

And if Ben-Gvir and his party absent themselves from Knesset votes, then the budget is in trouble and the government could collapse, if Ben-Gvir continues his boycotting of the Knesset.

The proposed budget includes large allotments for the Haredim, especially its schools. Will all that actually be spent? That’s among the open questions.