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Israeli right's battle over Netanyahu successor remains behind the scenes

With polls showing that the public supports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the investigations, his own party members are forced to do the same.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during an event organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations in Jerusalem, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC111BBBB180
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The leaders of the right-wing coalition in Israel are toeing the line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu right now. Aside from weak “ethical” reservations, not one of them has demanded his resignation at this time. Despite the opportunity to publicly criticize Netanyahu’s leadership, they hesitate. A senior Likud minister told Al-Monitor that the succession battle will start only when everyone will be convinced that Netanyahu is out. Otherwise, those launching such a battle will be considered as joining forces with Likud enemies against the leader of the party and the right-wing camp. Another Likud minister said that Netanyahu’s policy of politically eliminating his rivals has instilled great fear within party members, to the extent that deterrence will play a role until Netanyahu is effectively out. And then, he said, quite a few Likud seniors will sigh with relief. The largest party in Israel would be ready to launch the succession battle.

The second reason is no less important. If an election were to be held today in Israel — an election for prime minister — Netanyahu would win in a landslide, despite the investigations and the grave suspicions, as the polls claim. Netanyahu is the preferred figure for the Israeli right, admired by most — even among supporters of coalition parties other than the Likud. Thus, the Likud has maintained its electoral power in polls conducted every other day.

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