Expect dirty tricks in Netanyahu's last battle for survival
Most experts believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not open a new military front just to avoid his downfall, but will use every dirty political trick in the book to stay in power.
“If we need to choose — and I hope it will not happen — between friction with our great friend, the US, and getting rid of an existential threat, getting rid of an existential threat will prevail,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared June 1 at a farewell ceremony for Mossad Director Yossi Cohen and swearing-in of his successor, David Barnea.
Netanyahu’s statement, two days before Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and Yamina leader Naftali Bennett reported to President Reuven Rivlin that they had mobilized sufficient Knesset votes to form a new government, prompted concern among security officials. Was Netanyahu considering setting the region on fire to avoid handing power to a new government after 12 successive years in office (and 15 in all)?
Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who is designated to remain in his post in a Lapid-Bennett government — if it is indeed installed — hastened to respond, saying, “Even if there are disagreements [with the United States], they must be solved behind closed doors and not with defiant rhetoric that could harm Israel’s security.” Designated Prime Minister Bennett adopted Gantz's line. In an interview with Channel 12, Bennett said he could stand firm with the Americans on the Iran issue, but that it would be preferable to resolve differences through dialogue.
In addition to the juggernaut Netanyahu is deploying to pressure Yamina Knesset members to jump ship, is the prime minister willing to drag Israel into a war to preserve his hold on power? After all, Lapid and Bennett had finalized most details of their power-sharing deal in early May prior to the eruption of tensions in Jerusalem and the ensuing war with Hamas and Jewish-Arab rioting within Israel. The answer depends on whom you ask.
