Guest: David Rubin from Jerusalem via phone, Skype or Zoom
After an unprecedented three deadlocked elections in a row in Israel, and headed for fourth, the coronavirus accomplished something two old foes could not do on their own: Create a Unity Government.
Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, Benny Gantz reversed his pledge never to serve in the same government as Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Under the newly minted agreement, Gantz will serve as foreign minister and Netanyahu will remain prime minister for 18 months, then turn over the prime minister reins to Gantz.
Here with details of this overnight agreement is David Rubin, former mayor of Shiloh, Israel and author of Trump and the Jews.
Suggested Q&A:
- How can two old foes make up so quickly when all we’ve seen for a year is hostility between them and 3 deadlocked elections? Do you feel it is actually the coronavirus that was the catalyst for this historic amends?
Answer: Yes, it allowed the two to save face and it appears to be a good move for Israel.
- Is there any way for Prime Minister Netanyahu to break the 18-month power-sharing deal when his time is up?
Answer: In politics, anything is possible, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, Israel is enjoying the end of election fatigue.
- Is there truth to the rumor that Netanyahu’s aide tested positive for the coronavirus and that the prime minister is self-quarantining?
Answer: Yes, it’s true. All the more reason for cooperative power sharing.
- There are similarities in leadership between Netanyahu and Trump. What are some of those?
Answer: Throughout history, people have been drawn to firm, optimistic leadership. That’s why leaders like FDR, Harry Truman, and JFK were so popular in their times. This is especially true in times of crisis, with daily life and death decisions needed to be made, the petty political battles are recognized for exactly what they are. Both leaders realize this and are acting upon that realization.
- Where can we get a copy of your book, “Trump and the Jews”?
Answer: You can get a copy of my book at Amazon.com Just type in the words: Trump and the Jews.
Bio: David Rubin, former Mayor of Shiloh Israel, is the author of the book, “Trump and the Jews” and five other books. Rubin is the founder and president of Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, established after he and his then three-year-old son were wounded in a terror attack. He can be found at www.DavidRubinIsrael.com or at http://www.ShilohIsraelChildren.org
