A March 22 pre-Passover holiday event for Likud activists provided a clear view, unprecedented in its intensity, of the riveting process by which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shaped the party in his image and according to his needs. The traditional holiday toast held at the Tel Aviv Fair Grounds was devoted in its entirety to Netanyahu’s legal and public defense against the criminal investigations dogging him.
Since returning to power in 2009, Netanyahu has assiduously held two pre-holiday parties for Likud activists: ahead of Rosh Hashanah and before Passover. These events reflected the lively spirit typical of the Likud, regardless of Netanyahu’s fortunes. They would feature speeches by senior Likud ministers, by Knesset members with opposing views to those of the party chair, in keeping with the party’s inherently democratic nature.
