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Israel's Gantz choosing wrong battles against Netanyahu

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz should continue focusing his campaign on the charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, instead of falling into the trap of a diplomatic battle.
Leader of Israeli Blue and White party Benny Gantz is seen during the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) conference in Tel Aviv, Israel January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Corinna Kern - RC2UPE96ATUR
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“Unseating an incumbent prime minister” is not as easy as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his merry band frame the legitimate, legal, democratic process (the March elections) leading to regime change.

A hold on power grants an incumbent a significant advantage over the opposition in setting election campaign agendas. Foreign leaders seek the incumbent’s company, not necessarily out of any unusual admiration for the man, and his wife, Sara Netanyahu. A foreign leader’s handshake with the leader of Israel’s opposition is an option. A photo-op with the prime minister is a real treat that promises headlines at home. The guest often returns home with an arms’ deal in his pocket and the promise of a good word to be whispered in the ear of the friend at the White House.

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