In recent days, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Deputy Prime Minister Yair Lapid have been working on a joint action plan in an attempt to save the coalition following the retirement of Idit Silman.
But while outwardly the two broadcast a unified front, behind the scenes a clear political conflict of interest arises which may affect the whole picture.
When the prime minister's entourage realizes that the threat of an election is hovering over their heads, the question of 'who will serve as the transitional prime minister' moves to the forefront and joins the system of considerations in making political decisions.
Stiffening attitudes?
Bennett and Lapid, Photo: Mark Israel Salem
According to the coalition agreement, two MKs from Gush Bennett, ie on the right and a new hope, should support the dissolution of the Knesset in order for Yair Lapid to replace Bennett and serve as transitional prime minister during the election period until another government is formed. Trust in the government from the beginning. In other words, in addition to Silman, there is a need for another MK to retire from the right-wing parties.
On the other hand, if one of the members of the RAAM, whose members are swaying, retires from the coalition and supports the election - Bennett will remain in the prime minister's chair on all the benefits of the customs election campaign.
The moves of Lapid and Bennett should be examined according to these glasses.
Despite Mansour Abbas' threat from today (Sunday) not to vote with the coalition until the demands of the Jordanian king on the Temple Mount - Bennett said at a cabinet meeting: "Only Israel will make decisions on the Temple Mount."
Will not vote with the coalition until the demands of the King of Jordan on the Temple Mount are accepted?
Abbas, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Has Bennett decided to harden positions to push RAAM to dismantle the government and ensure his continued tenure in the election? Will Lapid exaggerate leftist positions to push right-wingers and a new hope to join Silman? No doubt both are well aware of these possibilities.
The Likud prefers to see Lapid run for prime minister during the election period, claiming that it will encourage Likud voters to go to the polls and increase the right-wing bloc to replace the government.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
