Whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was floating a trial balloon or really meant to hold primaries for the leadership of his Likud party, the scenario of a third round of Israeli elections appears inevitable. Netanyahu refuses to concede that he is unable to form a government and will not allow any other Likud lawmaker to try his hand, as the law allows. The reason is clear: On Oct. 2, the attorney general started hearing Netanyahu’s legal team arguing against his indictment on three corruption charges; if he has any chance of avoiding criminal prosecution, he must hold tight to his seat. As prime minister, he could push forward legislation that would offer him immunity.
On Oct. 3, word was leaked to reporters that the Likud central committee would convene next week to approve snap primaries for the party’s leadership and prime ministerial candidate. Shortly after, Netanyahu’s main party rival, Gideon Saar, tweeted, “I’m ready” — meaning prepared to challenge Netanyahu, who is under a cloud of suspicion. Hours later, senior Likud members claimed it was all an evasive tactic designed to expose Saar’s true face as a subversive.
