Despite the series of steps, the prime minister points out: the rotation is closer than ever • His main concern: the High Court will prevent him from serving as the alternate prime minister • Magnetz demands consent to an overruling ruling that will neutralize such a ruling;
Elsewhere - Elections • Evaluation: Ganz tends to support but Ashkenazi and Nissenkorn, "Mandelblit Axis", fortify themselves alongside the system
As amazing as the revelations may be about what goes on in the closed rooms of the police and the prosecutor's office, the improper cooperation, rendering and foreign interests mixed in professional decisions, it is not really surprising to those who closely monitor these systems.
They certainly did not surprise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Photo: Knesset Channel
His recent attacks against the "law enforcement system" do not at all serve as a line of defense in his trial, whose phase of hearings will begin in January.
They are also not intended for the ears of Likud members and base members, who have been angry with the police, the State Attorney's Office, the ombudsman and what has been between them for a long time. The political system estimates that Netanyahu is aiming for half a completely different goal - And Defense Minister Bnei Gantz, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn.
Because behind the scenes, under the guise of the corona, the Netanyahu trial and the demonstrations in Balfour, the real battle is taking place that will decide the fate of the entire political system - the battle for the overcoming clause on the issue of the alternative prime minister.
Netanyahu seems to be coming to terms with the fact that despite his evasive maneuvers, the rotation with Ganz is closer than ever.
As long as the economic situation continues to be dire, the corona will intensify and the evidence stage in his trial makes names in the Likud's election campaign, Netanyahu will not be able to realize the exit station he rented for himself in December, which means the budget transfer and direct route to rotation The exchange will indeed materialize.
The issue he will not agree to give up in any way is the possibility that the High Court will disqualify him from office and announce that despite the law passed on the subject, his status is closer to that of a minister, who must resign when indicted, than of the prime minister. And unequivocally: without overcoming the High Court on the issue, there will be no rotation.
Ganz, it seems, tends to agree.
Its narrow opening to the Prime Minister's Office suddenly becomes slightly wider.
But Nissenkorn and the man who has often been found pulling his strings, Gabi Ashkenazi, flatly refuse.
"Mandelblit Axis," the two are called.
Even when the truth shouts to heaven, and the injustices of the justice system are exposed to the naked eye in all their ugliness, Nissenkorn, backed and directed by Ashkenazi, continues to stand as a wall in form and defend Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, top prosecutors and their fellow judges, making them immune from criticism. The continuing damage to public trust. But that's what Mandelblit demands, and that's what he gets. As Chief Military Advocate, Mandelblit worked for Chief of Staff Ashkenazi.
Now Minister Ashkenazi is replying to Attorney General Mandelblit as his reward. What are the two talking about these days in private conversations, no one knows. But what were they talking about in private conversations in those days? Now everyone already knows.
It is highly doubtful whether Netanyahu's attacks against the top prosecutors will soften the position of Nissenkorn and Ashkenazi.
After all, it is not the protection of the justice system that is in the forefront of their minds, but the will of Mandelblit.
Even a handsome salary on her side: Just this week, Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber ruled that Nissenkorn could deal with Histadrut affairs he headed, but not long ago, without fear of a conflict of interest.
But it does not interest Netanyahu.
For his part, Ganz needs to show leadership and stand the test of time if he wants to be prime minister next November.
If not - it will not happen.
Not now, and probably never.
The full column will be published on Friday in the "Israel Hashavua" supplement
