By Ted Belman
I pointed out, in Strange Bedfellows what Lapid and Bennett have in common but also what their differences are. But according to Gil Ronen who just wrote, Bennett Vindicated as Coalition Crafting Enters Overtime, Bennett has obtained a very important commitment from Lapid,
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What Naftali Bennett did was to make Lapid an offer he couldn’t refuse. He would enable him to square the circle and force a true change as regards hareidi enlistment. For this, Bennett would be willing to weather the storm of accusations that he was “selling out” his hareidi brethren and joining a secularist to do so.
In return, what Bennett has apparently received is a guarantee that the next coalition will not only include Bayit Yehudi but will also have to respect Bayit Yehudi’s core principles, especially regarding the political and strategic issues that surround the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria.
I hope and pray that this is so.
@ steven l:
I know nothing about Sarah B’s politics.
Me 2.
By the way Ted, what is/are the position(s) of Sarah B?
Can U elaborate?
Tks.
Perhaps it is better for IL 2 postpone Pr. O visit. The Palywood would try to take max advantage of the visit and fabricate countless incidents. They have so many people to send to the land of the 72 virgins. But not the politicians of course. They taste the 72 down here.
comment to Norman F in moderation
NormanF Said:
@ yamit82:
@ NormanF:
.
I agree with all you have said.
It would be devastating for Sarah Netanyahu not to have all those photo ops with the Black guy from Chicago.
yamit82 Said:
I would beware of Americans bearing gifts. In the end G-d usually works things out for the best and for Netanyahu, its not good news indeed.
@ yamit82:
Netanyahu’s reported seeking to punish Yesha is going to lead to the extinction of the Likud. I would be happy with the development given the fact it was the Likud that gave us Yamit, Wye, Gush Katif and now the two-state solution. Netanyahu’s resentment of Yesha was his from the beginning even as in the last government, he pretended his chum Ehud Barak was behind his moves against it.
With a rudderless party like the Likud, who needs it? I prefer Lapid over Netanyahu because Lapid keeps his word. For Netanyahu, a promise is a merely a means to stick the knife in every one’s back at a convenient time while he climbs up the greasy pole of power. But he may have overplayed his hand with his latest reported maneuver.
And if that meant Obama wouldn’t come, it would be a gift from Heaven!
BB can read polls as well or better than anyone. In view of the current polls there will be no elections. Self preservation for BB overrides all other considerations and he will form any government composed of anyone willing to join no matter their positions or demands.
BB Uber Alles!!!
BB has decided to cut the thread between the settlers and the Likud by cutting off all settlements except the large settlements inside the fence and Ariel outside the fence. He feels betrayed by the settlers who joined Likud but voted for other parties. There is much truth in this and politics is to a degreee based on reward and punishment.
The above message has already it’s been reported to Uri Ariel, Tekuma faction of Bayit Yehudi and lead negotiator.
Nobody based on conflicting ideology and interests expects the covenant between Bennett and Lapid to hold after they are ensconced inside the government and BB could force one or the other out of the coalition later and add who ever is comfortable for him at that time.
If BB offers the foreign minster portfolio to Lapid will Lieberman bolt? Speculation is yes. One thing for almost certain, is that whenever the next elections are held Lieberman will run separately from the Likud. The Likud without Lieberman today according to most polls is less than 20 mandates or seats.
Austerity to be imposed by the next government will not endear BB or the Likud with their base or anyone else. The next government could fall over them as well.
Then there is this:
Sequestration may have dramatic repercussions for IDF
Israeli military procurement budget, including Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense, could face a $300-$500 million cut
Hamas warns Obama against Temple Mount visit
Trip to Jerusalem’s holiest site would be ‘a diplomatic catastrophe,’ Islamists declare; mufti sets three conditions for presidential tour
Report: Obama Won’t Come if There’s No New Coalition
U.S. officials have reportedly told Israel that if there is no new government in place by March 16, Obama will not arrive for his visit.
What a blow to Israel if Obama doesn’t come. 🙁