Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared victory in Israel’s unprecedented third election in less than a year.
Imagine having three U.S. Presidential elections in a single year, deadlocking with electoral candidates each time. That’s what Israeli citizens have gone through and to say they have election fatigue is an understatement.
However, there is a slight hitch that might lead to yet another election or elections. While Netanyahu has the clear majority, he still needs to fine one more parliamentary seat to form a government with himself as Prime Minister. In Israel there are 120 Knesset seats and Bibi only won 60. That’s not a majority. He needs one more.
And if you think things are polarized with American opinions on Trump and Sanders, Israelis can be just as resolute. So, unless someone defects, Israel might see election number four, or five, or six, or ten, or 60. And during this deadlock, key legislation cannot be passed. You just can’t make this stuff up!
Joining us to offer clarity and a possible solution to his hot mess is David Rubin, former mayor of Shiloh, Israel, the first capitol of ancient Israel.
Q&A:
- The first Israeli elections in April 2019 resulted in a virtual tie between conservative Benjamin Netanyahu and liberal Benny Gantz. Then there was a historic run-off in September 2019, resulting in another virtual tie. Now the March 3, 2020 elections seem to be another deadlock. Are we really looking at an unprecedented fourth election?
Answer: Netanyahu is center-right and Gantz is center-left. Neither of their constituencies is likely to sway much, so the key player here again is Avigdor Lieberman who last time forced Netanyahu to call for snap elections. The world is waiting to see if he compromises this time. And yes, there can be another election or elections.
- Can you explain to our viewers/listeners the difference between the Israeli form of government and the U.S. government?
Answer: Of course. Israel has a rather unwieldy parliamentary system with a whole bunch of smaller parties. It’s a system in which the leader of the most popular party must form a majority coalition by appealing to smaller parties that will join his coalition. Of the smaller parties, Lieberman’s was a ‘major minority’ and he is insisting on a government without religious parties, a so-called “government without God”.
- What are Netanyahu’s options in cutting a deal with Lieberman?
Answer: He and Lieberman have had a very shaky relationship in the past and if he were to cut a deal with Lieberman, it would likely involve forcing a bold compromise between Lieberman and the religious parties. - What are likely options for governing coalitions? Couldn’t Lieberman kiss and makeup, cut a deal, and join Netanyahu?
Answer: If Lieberman joins a right-wing Netanyahu government, the coalition would be more aggressive against Iran and the terrorist organizations and might declare Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (the so-called West Bank), as well. However, if Netanyahu has to bring in a left-wing party instead of Lieberman to make a majority coalition, there would be constant dissension within the coalition over those same issues.
5. Tell us about the Trump Deal of the Century and the land annexation and the agreement to help the Palestinians?
Answer: The map looks a bit like a gerrymandered congressional district, and if a Palestinian state is created, it will create a serious security threat for Israelis who travel those roads. Having said that, the plan will not be accepted by the Palestinian Authority, because it demands that they stop paying salaries to the families of imprisoned terrorists, it demands that they accept Israel as the Jewish state, and it demands that they disarm. These are all reasonable demands to create a true atmosphere of peace, but they won’t accept it.
- Tell us about your book, “Trump and the Jews” and the parts that deal with what we’re seeing play out in the Israel election scene
- Where may we get a copy of your book?
Answer: They can go to Amazon.com and simply type in the words, “Trump and the Jews”.
