His devotees call him King Bibi, but his crown is slipping
call him King Bibi, but the crown is slipping. Twice this year Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has gone to the country to ask voters for a clear majority. Twice they have denied him one. With almost all the votes counted from the ballot on September 17th, Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party was two seats behind Blue and White, a centrist alliance led by Benny Gantz, a former military chief.
Much will depend on how the coalition horse-trading plays out. By nosing ahead, Mr Gantz has the better claim to try to form a cabinet. But Mr Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister until another government is formed. Even if he somehow stays in office, he will be much diminished. He will have to share power with his enemies—whether Mr Gantz or, worse, Avigdor Lieberman, an ex-aide who split with him and thwarted him.
Mr Netanyahu sowed distrust of Arab citizens. He accused Arab parties of fraud; a chatbot message on his Facebook page, since withdrawn, accused them of trying “to destroy us all”. As ever, he highlighted the threat of Iran and his friendship with President Donald Trump, who recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Above all, Mr Netanyahu sought to mobilise his right-wing base, promising to annex part of the occupied West Bank if re-elected.
His potential replacement, Mr Gantz, presents himself as a warrior who wants peace, but has been worryingly vague about his policies. Do not expect him to rush into a deal with the Palestinians. A two-state peace deal, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, may seem desirable to most of the world but appeals to only about half of Israelis. And many of them think it is unachievable right now: moderate Palestinians are too weak, and the radicals strong enough to spoil any accord.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government After Election DeadlockIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was no choice but to form a unity government with his rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, after the country's election ended in a deadlock.
Consulte Mais informação »
A climate change special, how Bibi's reign is ending and why Russia is ambivalent about global warmingListen to “Editor’s picks” to hear essential stories from The Economist, read aloud. This week: Climate change must be tackled urgently; the reign of Bibi Netanyahu is ending; and why Russia is ambivalent about global warming
Consulte Mais informação »
Netanyahu urges rival Gantz to form unity government with himPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Thursday on his main rival, former g...
Consulte Mais informação »
Israel's Netanyahu cites 1980s precedent in hint at rotating premiership with GantzIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted on Thursday at a possible rotat...
Consulte Mais informação »
Israel’s prime minister will desperately struggle to stay in officeIsraeli politics looks deadlocked all over again
Consulte Mais informação »