Israel’s Bennett becoming principal actor again

Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu with school children

Mazal Mualem writes in Al Monitor, “The leaders of the “national bloc” (Likud’s right-wing and ultra-Orthodox partners) met in the prime minister’s office Nov. 4 for another coordination meeting. The meeting was designed to ensure that there were no cracks in the united front the bloc presents to the Blue and White party in the coalition talks.”

“The bloc was first formed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on election night, when he realized that he had failed to obtain a 61-seat coalition. At the Nov. 4 meeting, Netanyahu sat across from the heads of the right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties, separated by a huge desk. It was impossible to miss New Right senior leader Naftali Bennett, who occupied the first row across from Netanyahu. Sitting in a corner, far away from Bennett, was his partner and ally for almost 15 years, former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.”

“The Bennett-Shaked partnership had driven Netanyahu crazy for many years as the two had created an important political force. But then, half a year ago, as a result of the April elections, it all came crashing down on them. While the two of them are still members of the same reduced faction known as the New Right, and while they still co-chair the aforementioned faction, it now seems like Bennett is on his way out. It looks like he will be joining the Likud, under Netanyahu’s patronage.” (more…)