Netanyahu clings to power at huge cost to Israelis

Published: 21 May 2016

Last updated: 4 March 2024

In a momentous week, Netanyahu chose to bring Avigdor Liberman and Yisrael Beiteinu into his coalition instead of Isaac Herzog and the Zionist Union, Defence Minister Ya’alon resigned from both government and Knesset, vowing a political comeback, and Temple Mount activist Yehudah Glick enters the Knesset. There may be further developments before any new coalition agreement is signed, but the following are some must-read analyses and views of events to date, including from a former Israeli prime minister.

The winners and the losers in the emerging coalition shake-up – Marissa Newman – The Times of Israel 20.05.16
Netanyahu has just made his worst rival his ally, and his ally his worst rival; Ya’alon is out — but he’ll be back; Temple Mount activist Yehudah Glick is in; and Herzog may have just lost everything.

Israelis will pay dearly for their Prime Minister’s reckless appointment – Haaretz Editorial 19.05.16
Netanyahu has demonstrated that he is prepared to drag the country into a potentially disastrous military adventure, to remove all moral constraints and to encourage blatant racism for the sole purpose of staying in power.

Leaving politics, Ya’alon warns of ‘dangerous’ forces who ‘took over’ Likud, Israel - The Times of Israel 20.05.16
Ex-chief of staff, being replaced as defence minister by Liberman, warns that extremists have taken over Israel and urges Likud voters, a ‘sane, respectable and responsible public,’ to fight back

Barak warns of ‘fascism’ in Israel’s government; Livni sees an ‘ethical crisis’ – The Times of Israel 20.05.16
Former PM Barak says Ya’alon was ‘purged’ by Netanyahu; ex-FM Livni protests the choice of Liberman, who ‘opposes army’s code of ethics’, [Barak also told TV interviewer that 'there are no serious leaders left in the world who believe the Israeli government.']

Israel now torn between rule of law and rule of ruthless power – Ravit Hecht – Haaretz 19.05.16
Plots and machinations have been part and parcel of Israeli politics since their early days, like anywhere else in the world. The novelty of the Netanyahu era lies in the reckless and unabashed chasing of short-term opportunism.

Netanyahu reissues unity government offer to Zionist Union – The Times of Israel 20.05.16
In wake of Yisrael Beiteinu deal, PM says his proposal for larger coalition is ‘serious, the door remains open’