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Smotrich endangers the alliance, and still - there is a possibility and a desire to fix it Israel today

2022-11-24T22:50:19.497Z


Precisely after elections in which the solidarity between the right-wing Likud and partners from religious Zionism reached its peak - the negotiations are running aground • The right-wing government will not be able to stand up under blackmail and leaks


The echoes of the explosions of the explosive devices and the sounds of the sirens in the attack in Jerusalem, on Wednesday morning, were clearly heard in the coalition negotiation rooms. Urgency was also present, and terrorism had already struck since the elections in the terrible attack in Ariel. But the style of the attack - an explosion at two sites at the same time - and the sophistication that indicates organization and explosives Sabotage near the buses brought up sad memories among the right-wing people discussing the formation of the government. The days of the sooty buses from the Oslo era and the second intifada, viewed in the face of the difficult images, raised the need for the formation of a government to the level of "critical". The enemies are not waiting for the portfolios to be divided.

Immediately after the elections, I wrote here that the understanding in the parties of the winning bloc is that three quick moves are needed: the first is the swift formation of a government, the second is calming down the system and appointing the people worthy of their duties, and the third is the beginning of reforms and getting the country back on track.

They raised the need to form a government to the "critical" level.

The attacks on the way out of Jerusalem, photo: Oren Ben Hakon

Bennett's toolbox

Still, the business is stuck, and the man with his foot on the brake pedal is the chairman of religious Zionism, Bezalel Smotrich, whose certain lines in his behavior remind of another political figure, who also saw herself as the right from the right to the right - and finally abandoned her values ​​and turned her back on the right. This is, of course, , headed by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

It will be said immediately: No!

Smotrich will not cross the lines and sacrifice the right in the name of the ambition to be prime minister, while giving the keys to the country to the leaders of the left and the Islamic movement.

But the patterns of his conduct in the current negotiations paint a picture of someone who adopted several tools from the Bennetist toolbox. Many political sins were committed by Bennett, but the greatest of all was extorting the position of Prime Minister with six mandates. Before that, he similarly extorted positions that did not match his achievements at the ballot box, and that he did not correspond to the extent of public support for him. This is an unhealthy legacy that Bennett instilled in the political reality in Israel, and it seems that Smotrich is affected by it.

As the head of a party with seven seats, Smotrich is asking for positions that in the past a politician with 15 seats would have been ashamed to demand.

Those who run under the banner of a change in the justice system - keep an eye on the treasury or security files.

Another evidence of exaggeration in the perception of the self is his demand to be updated ahead of time on the identity of the Minister of Education on behalf of the Likud, a demand that has never been raised in the history of the establishment of coalitions in Israel.

Certain lines in the behavior of the chairman of religious Zionism are reminiscent of the former Prime Minister.

Bennett and Smotrich, photo: Oren Ben Hakon

The second characteristic shared by Bennett and Smotrich is the conduct of negotiations in bad faith.

Like Bennett, Smotrich also leaks and briefs and runs to tell the guys.

This week he even shared a tweet from an insignificant person who made a ludicrous comparison between himself and Yahya Sinvar, in order to present the Likud as someone who incites against him.

He may soon make a speech about the poison machine directed against him.

These are not signs of respect for his partners, and it seems that Smotrich does not allow negotiations to be conducted under discreet conditions, and makes media use of those who are not exactly supporters of the camp. It is no wonder that elements on the left encourage him not to stop.

The third point is taken from the social field.

Bennett and Smotrich see themselves as the only right wing that can and is qualified to direct, lead and show the way to the Likud right - which needs supervision.

What is missed along the way is the message: not only does Smotrich perceive Likud elected officials this way - but also his voters.

It is important to emphasize: Religious Zionists have proven time and time again that they do not accept this false image of the majority of the voters of the right-wing camp.

The people of Beit El and Dimona, Hebron and Sderot, Shiloh and Be'er Sheva are not only political allies, but they share values ​​and a common path.

The majority of religious Zionist voters punished Bennett and Shaked at the ballot box for their defection.

In Likud strongholds, especially in the periphery, they refused to buy the inciting thesis that the settlers are stealing their money.

do not accept the image of the majority of the voters of the right-wing camp.

Religious Zionists, photo: Yossi Zeliger

The solidarity between the Likudniks and Netanyahu's supporters and the religious Zionists and the settlers among them is real, and does not depend on anything.

It must be preserved, nurtured and deepened.

All pioneers, all right-wing, all partners.

But Smotrich's behavior could endanger this alliance.

The repeated questioning of the Likud's right wing, the insinuations about the poor quality of the Likud Knesset members - we heard all this consistently from Bennett, and now we get the impression that these elements are woven into Smotrich's approach to the coalition negotiations.

A bit of proportion

A right-wing government will be established at the end of the negotiations. None of the parties has any interest or other address. The country needs a functioning government, and the security and economic events leave no choice.

But this government cannot rise under blackmail, leaks, mistrust, patronage and condescension.

The criticism against Smotrich is not aimed at his voters - who are beloved brothers - but against irresponsible conduct, which reflects a lack of recognition of the limits of power and the relationship of electoral forces.

And yes, there are also things that are not done between political allies.

In the end, a right-wing government will be established.

Celebrations at the Likud headquarters after the elections, photo: Liron Moldovan

The door is not closed for a quick reconciliation that would allow the formation of a government and the start of work quickly, the hand is always extended for peace and Smotrich has many rights.

There is nothing wrong with him trying to achieve political achievements for his voters, and conducting tough negotiations as part of negotiations to form a government. But alongside determination - humility, disillusionment and above all clean hands are needed.

were we wrong

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Source: israelhayom

All news articles on 2022-11-24

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