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Right-wing infighting: A warning sign for Netanyahu

By firing Education Minister Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu angered his loyal partners, the national-religious camp.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks to the press following a vote on a bill to dissolve the Knesset (Israeli parliament) on May 29, 2019, at the Knesset in Jerusalem. - Parliament voted 74-45 in favour of dissolving itself and setting elections for September 17. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)        (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)
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“I propose a cease-fire in the right-wing camp from now until the election is over," tweeted journalist Shimon Riklin on June 11. "In the context of this cease-fire, everyone will be allowed to express opinions on any issue, as long as that does not harm the right’s chances to win the election and form the next government.”

Riklin’s tweet went viral the moment it appeared. Many respondents offered a fairly reasonable explanation for it, claiming that Riklin must have received a “conciliatory call” from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself, in response to another tweet, in which Riklin surprised everyone by publicly criticizing the prime minister.

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