JERUSALEM — The longest serving leader in Israel’s history.
A senior minister, leader of the opposition, or prime minister since 1996.
Currently with a tiny Knesset majority of four seats. Last weekend’s poll shows a tie between the government and the opposition, which is an improvement over earlier polls. Benny Gantz continues to hold a small lead over Benjamin Netanyahu as a preferred prime minister.
Bibi’s improved standing is a clear reflection of popular support for military operations in Gaza, and the directed killing of several leaders of Islamic Jihad.
There is no election in sight.
After 18 consecutive weeks of public demonstrations against judicial reform, organizers cancelled last weekend’s demonstrations, in order to avoid large crowds.
Bibi has operated as a centrist. He told Itamar Ben-Gvir to find a better place when Ben-Gvir threatened to vote against the government.
Then Ben-Gvir came back in response to the government’s attack on Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank. One of the latest attacks said to be opposed by military leaders, but told to go ahead by “political figures.”
Recent cartoons show Ben-Gvir hiding in the bushes, somewhat distant from the action
So far Israel has operated against Jihad, and avoided conflict with Hamas.
Yariv Levin is also sidelined, with his judicial proposal postponed again and again. Now until after the budget is approved.
All our headlines have focused on Gaza, with nothing about judicial reform.
Is Bibi responsible for a government that includes extremists: Ben-Gvir, Levin, Bezalel Smotrich, and Simcha Rothman. Or has he found himself as the head, and having to manage them and avoid their demands?
So far he has tolerated, or supported their comments, but kept them from putting them into effect.
The Haredim have been promised major financial concessions, but we’ll see what comes out of the budget proposals, and then what actually is spent.
Currently the leaders of Israel’s opposition are supporting aggressive actions in Gaza.
Both have been violent toward Israelis, and the recent effort of Israel to focus its attacks on Islamic Jihad and avoid Hamas suggests high policy efforts whose long range purposes are unclear.
Also unclear are Bibi’s involvement and intentions. He remains an elusive figure, consistent with a reputation for managing conflicts and managing to stay on top of the Israeli pile.
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Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. He may be contacted via ira.sharkansky@sdjewishworld.com