Bibi’s Choice After Election Will Set Course for Israel
Assuming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comes out on top in next week’s elections, his choice about who to include in the governing coalition will affect Israel for years to come, writes Shai Feldman.
![ISRAEL-ELECTION/ Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a paper inscribed with his party's initials during a Likud-Yisrael Beitenu campaign rally in the southern city of Ashdod January 16, 2013. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, allied with the nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party, continues to lead opinion polls ahead of Israel's Jan. 22 parliamentary election. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2013/01/RTR3CJ8G.jpg/RTR3CJ8G.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=zTdOqOvF)
In the aftermath of next week’s Israeli elections, Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu will face the decision of his political life. What kind of governing coalition he chooses to form will affect Israel for years to come.
One option will effectively end hopes of a two-state solution to Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians and deepen its isolation. The other could open the door to negotiations and better relations with Europe and the United States.