Arlene Kushner on Reasons To Be Optimistic About Netanyahu's New Coalition With Lapid and Bennett

From Arlene Kushner
March 18, 2013

Set in Place and Hopeful

The 33rd government has been announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu in its final permutation.  The list of ministers (22 in number) and deputies is provided at the end of this posting.  You may want to save it.

After the balagan of establishing the coalition, with all of its extraordinary tensions and game-playing, I am finding that there truly are enough good people in the government so that there is some reason to be hopeful.

A handful of changes from the prior list I had shared, which was still tentative, are worthy of note here:

Arlene Kushner's Roundup on The Coalition and Why Netanyahu is the Big Loser

From Arlene Kushner
March 16, 2013

Let's Move On!

Motzei Shabbat (After Shabbat)

We have a government.  I felt reasonably confident this would be the case by now -- as the deadline for Netanyahu has run out and Obama is coming this week.  But it's been an insufferably long and complex road getting to that coalition.

I had actually begun a posting last Thursday, when a coalition seemed to be in place. And then I stopped, because yet another roadblock had appeared.

Now, I am less inclined to cover all the ground I would have covered two days ago.  Let me simply make some more general observations.

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Arlene Kushner On Netanyahu's Coalition Concessions To Yair Lapid

From Arlene Kushner:
March 13, 2013

Outrage

Actually, outrage upon outrage upon outrage.  What a day.

Let's start with the coalition formation and Lapid.  With all of the concessions Netanyahu had made for him, it was not enough.  Lapid wanted Rabbi Shai Piron, second on the Yesh Atid list, to be Minister of Education and Netanyahu wanted Gideon Sa'ar to retain that position. 

There were several issues at stake, beyond the matter of which party controlled that important ministry:

Netanyahu's Coalition To Be Announced By Tomorrow (Update: Or Not)

UPI is reporting Netanyahu: principles for new gov. agreed:

The fundamental principles for a new government have been agreed upon, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said in Jerusalem Sunday.

Netanyahu told the last Cabinet meeting of the outgoing government that negotiations to form a new coalition will focus on ministerial portfolios, Israel Radio reported.

Israel Radio, The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post reported Netanyahu is expected to announce the forming of the new government Tuesday. Ynetnews.com said the prime minister is expected to make the announcement Wednesday.

Arlene Kushner on Netanyahu's Latest Difficulties and Controversies In Forming A Coalition

From Arlene Kushner:
March 11, 2013

Not Quite

I was going to send this posting out yesterday.  It was substantially written. But, I saw that there had been progress in the negotiations on the coalition -- it was looking more rational, more hopeful.  That is, according to credible rumors.  And so I thought if I held off a bit I might be able to announce a government. Silly me.

From rumors of "very close" we suddenly moved to an announcement of a breakdown in the negotiations. 

Arlene Kushner On Assorted News Concerning Israel

From Arlene Kushner:
March 7, 2012

Sharing

Mostly a bit of news and a variety of materials that are worthy of being shared.

Let me begin with a brief update on the little boy I've been tracking -- Zakkai.  He's making good progress in his recovery and is becoming more like himself.  But all is not smooth: he's clingy, which is understandable considering the trauma he's had; wants to be carried on stairs, which he finds difficult to navigate; and still has some discomfort.  Since his balance isn't good and he has other problems connected to the surgery on his spine, he has rehabilitation specialists working with him to help him regain his former mobility.

Please God, a matter of time.  The family prays for a return to normalcy.

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The Center for Near East Policy Research, which has produced a variety of materials on UNRWA over the years, has just put out a new video on the "Right of Return" as taught in the UNRWA schools. 

See this and understand why UNRWA is part of the problem, and why peace is not possible while the Palestinian Arab kids in its classrooms continue to be taught to kill Jews in order to regain "their" land.  This is stunning documentation -- you get it from the mouths of students, teachers and administrators themselves (with subtitles).  What the kids say is most stunning of all:

Arlene Kushner On Israeli Coalition Machinations -- And More Iran Tribulations

From Arlene Kushner
March 6, 2012

Worrisome

Nothing concrete to report yet on the coalition, as, again, there are mostly rumors.  Based on what I'm reading, however, I confess to a great unease that Lapid sees himself as a reformer upon whom formation of the coalition depends -- and who thus can, with his demands for entry into that coalition, instantaneously restructure much of Israeli society.  Whether he's right or wrong on specific issues, I fear a heavy-handed audacity that is only going to tear the society apart.

March Madness: Formation of Netanyahu's Coalition and Obama's Visit

There is a vague feeling of unease about what this month will bring Israel.
It was present in an undertone at the AIPAC conference.

In writing about the just-finished AIPAC conference, Shmuel Rosner writes about Shushing the Elephant

There’s [an] elephant in the room in this AIPAC conference, and this elephant is American policy in the region. In one session after another one hears criticism of American inaction, American hesitation, American lack of coherence. The criticism is at times subtler, and at times more direct, but it’s almost always there.

Arlene Kushner On Behind The Scenes Of Netanyahu's Coalition Building

From Arlene Kushner
March 4, 2013

A Heavy Struggle

There is a lot of hard work to do, a lot of heavy pulling, to bring our nation to where it needs to be.  I hold on to hope that all will yet be well, but am sorely disheartened.

Yesterday, I quoted Naftali Bennett, head of Habayit Hayehudi, thus:

"for days after the election the Likud refused to speak to the Jewish Home. They boycotted us… we expected to be a natural partner and to be the first to enter the Netanyahu government."  The message he claims he got was, "the religious Zionist party won’t enter the coalition, at any price."  

What Netanyahu did was foolish, I said. Rude.  Conveying to the newcomer Bennett a sense of being excluded.  But, I asked, now that Netanyahu had contacted Bennett was the prime minister's original rudeness sufficient reason for Bennett to have fashioned his current policy as he has? 

Today, I have a likely answer, from someone very close to Habayit Hayehudi. 

Arlene Kushner on Netanayahu's Last Chance To Form A Coalition

From Arlene Kushner:
March 3, 2013

Deplorable

Now I'm referring not to the state of the world, but to the state of Israeli politics.  I am so often proud of who we are. But now?  I would gladly grab hold of certain political shoulders and shake until the heads that sit on those respective shoulders rattled.  Where? I want to ask. Where is your devotion to the state and the greater good during these difficult times?

To whose shoulders am I alluding? There is, in my opinion, enough blame to go around.  No one that I'm seeing stands up as a leader (or even a potential leader), resolute in his vision, embracing his fellow Jews, and focused on the nation and not his own political future or that of his particular party.

Do I know what's in people's heads?  Not with any clarity.  Which makes posting difficult.

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On Friday, the coalition negotiations between Likud Beitenu and Habayit Hayehudi broke down.  These are the two parties that should have been natural allies, logical coalition partners.

Arlene Kushner: Netanyahu's Coalition Mess and Iran's Progress (But Jagger Is Coming To Israel!)

From Arlene Kushner:
February 27, 2013

A Mess

The mess is of considerable proportions, as I see it.  Redeemable, yes.  With determination, inner confidence, strength and faith.  But are we seeing these factors in play sufficiently?  A friend told me today that she's feeling demoralized, and she's not alone.

I actually had hopes a day ago, that by the time I sat down to write today, late in my day, there would have been an announcement about Bennett having signed on to the coalition.  Yesterday Likud was saying that it was coming any minute -- maybe last night, maybe during the day today.  Now reports have it that it will be in the "next few days."  Obviously, while there has been progress, everything is not going quite as smoothly as certain parties would have us believe. I believe the catch is Livni's role in the government.

Arlene Kushner on Netanyahu's Coalition Troubles and Other Recent Problems Facing Israel

From Arlene Kushner

February 26, 2013

Decidedly Negative

What's negative?  Oh, I won't say everything. Should never say that.  But there's a great deal that is, and the sense one gets when surveying the situation is an enormous weariness.

Let's begin with coalition formation here in Israel.  PM Netanyahu was given 28 days to form that new coalition.  By my calculation, his mandate from President Peres began on February 3, which brings us to this Sunday, March 3.  He can then request an extension of 14 additional days. After that, if he has no government, he will have struck out.

Questioning Tzipi Livni's Claims About The Second Lebanese War in 2006

In light of the fact that Tzipi Livni is joining Netanyahu's coalition, Eli Hertz writes about her role in Israel's Second Lebanese War and Livni's Misguided Sense of Accomplishments, noting questionable claims that Livni has made.

In brief, Hertz makes the following point:

1. Livni: “Security Council Resolution 1701 is an Israeli achievement”
   
   Fact: Adopting Resolution 1701 under Chapter VII was a clear goal of Israel that did not materialize.
   
   Under international law, Resolution 1701 that was adopted under Chapter VI is at best a declarative statement that lacks the legal authority or enforcement power whatsoever. All the rest is wishful thinking and the results on the ground will attest to it.

Arlene Kushner on Latest Machinations Of Netanyahu Trying To Form A Coalition

From Arlene Kushner:
February 21, 2012

Purim

Purim will be celebrated Saturday night and Sunday here, as elsewhere in the world, except for walled cities such as Jerusalem, where Shushan Purim will be celebrated on Sunday night and Monday.

The story of Purim is one of a threat to the existence of the Jewish people, overcome against great odds because of the determined actions of Mordecai and Esther.  God's name is not mentioned anywhere in the Megillat Esther.  We are to understand, however, that God is present, working behind the scenes.

The lessons -- that we must trust in God, even when we cannot see his hand., and that we must act decisively on behalf of our people -- are of paramount importance today.   It should not escape us that the story of Esther takes place in Persia, which is the modern Iran.  Nor should we forget that Mordecai refused to bow down to the wicked Haman.

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Today is a fast day: We fast just as Queen Esther and Mordecai fasted before she approached the king to ask him to save the Jews.

Then, after Shabbat comes the celebration, and the acts of charity and giving.

Credit: JoyfulJewish

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I do not expect to post again until Monday, at the earliest.

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Here, I would like to pick up on yesterday's topic, as fuzzy as the larger picture remains.  Will either Bennett and/or Lapid ultimately join the coalition?  My crystal ball is foggy today, so I am unsure.  Bennett is putting out mixed messages right now.

Arlene Kushner on Tzipi Livni Joining Netanyahu's Coalition -- And Why Bibi May Have Done It

From Arlene Kushner:
February 20, 2013

A Regrettable Turn of Events

Regrettable. Pathetic. Many adjectives apply to what took place here in Israel last night at the political level:

A party, the very first to do so, signed on to the coalition PM Netanyahu has been working to form: Tzipi Livni's party, Hatnua.  Not only has this left-wing party -- with six mandates -- joined, Livni herself will be Justice Minister AND will be responsible for negotiations with the Palestinian Arabs, reporting to the prime minister himself.  Netanyahu will lead a ministerial committee on the peace process that will include Livni and the defense and foreign ministers.

Amir Peretz, of Hatnua, will reportedly be given the Environmental Protection portfolio.

Credit: Samsonblinded

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Oi vey! To say that this is bad doesn't begin to do justice to the situation.  It's infuriating, disappointing, unsettling, and bewildering.

Arlene Kushner on Obama's Visit To Israel And Netanyahu's Coalition

From Arlene Kushner:
February 10, 2013

Dealing As It Comes

I had recently shared my assessment that Iran and Syria and not "peace talks" with the PLO would be the main items on the agenda when President Obama visits Israel. 

Now you might want to now see this article, "Barack Obama's visit to Israel 'will focus on Iran, not peace talks'" (emphasis added):

New Poll Illustrates It's Not Netanyahu Who Is Right Wing -- It's Israel (Thank Goodness!)

Polls are convenient fodder for proving a point -- who can forget Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's famous poll proving that Palestinian Arabs just wanted peace:

Well, you can look at any opinion poll in the Palestinian territories and 70 percent of the people will say they’re perfectly ready to live side by side with Israel because they just want to live in peace.

Too bad that no one -- Rice included -- was ever able to produce that poll.

On the other hand, an actual poll that came out this month is useful for illustrating a very different point.

Arlene Kushner On Netanyahu, Mofaz and The Coalition

From Arlene Kushner:

July 1, 2012:

He Said No

Former prime minister of Israel Yitzhak Shamir passed away yesterday at the age of 96.

A feisty man of few words who held on to his fiercely nationalist, Zionist convictions, he was noted for his integrity, his humility and his courage.

David Bedein, in a tribute to Shamir, recalls this from an interview:

The Middle East Media Sampler 5/23/2012: Tom Friedman Has Nothing New To Say To Israel

From DG:

Column without purpose

Thomas Friedman's latest, Power with purpose, exhorts Prime Minister Netanyahu to engage in "constructive unilateralism" as proposed in a recent op-ed Peace without Partners by Ami Ayalon, Orni Petruschka and Gilead Sher. The problem is that, as with the earlier op-ed, the onus for peacemaking falls strictly on Israel.

Here's the impetus for Friedman's suggestion:

I’m keeping an open mind, but the temptation for Bibi to do nothing will be enormous. The Palestinians are divided between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, and both populations are tired.

The Middle East Media Sampler 5/13/2012: New York Times Speechless On Netanyahu Coalition

From DG:

1) A strong editorial

The editors of the Washington Post have a strong editorial, A united strong Israel:

It’s true that a more stable and centrist Israeli government may take action on Iran or Palestinian statehood. Mr. Netanyahu is positioned to move aggressively in either area. But whether he does is likely to depend more on developments outside than inside Israel.
First among these will be the outcome of talks between the United States and other powers with Iran over its nuclear program. If the negotiations succeed in their initial aim of obtaining a halt in Iran’s higher-level enrichment of uranium and the suspension of activities at a new underground facility, military action will be hard for Mr. Netanyahu to justify, even within his own cabinet. If they fail or Iranian nuclear activity accelerates, Israel will indeed have a government well suited for war.
As for peace talks with the Palestinians, that was one of the four priorities cited by the new coalition partners in their first news conference — and the only one that was not domestic. The Kadima party was founded by former prime minister Ariel Sharon to pursue a settlement; its new leader, Mr. Mofaz, has his own two-stage plan for creating a Palestinian state. Mr. Netanyahu, who had never endorsed Palestinian statehood when he became prime minister in 2009, has progressed to supporting a state on most of the territory of the West Bank. 

My only quibble here is the idea that Netanyahu never endorsed Palestinian statehood before this term in office.