Israel: in the shadows, "Bibi" Netanyahu is preparing his big comeback

Last December, in the heart of the very chic neighborhood of the German Colony in Jerusalem, Benyamin Netanyahu is jogging surrounded by his bodyguards. The new leader of the opposition has just suffered a serious political setback: his hated successor, Naftali Bennett, had the budget voted by the Knesset and seems to be settling in power for a long time.

On the judicial level, the horizon is also darkening for the former Prime Minister. His trial for corruption drags on and he is reluctant to sign a plea agreement: an abandonment of the proceedings against his withdrawal from political life for several years. Despite these setbacks, Netanyahu’s popularity seems intact on this bright winter’s day. Walkers greet “Bibi”, who is happy to take selfies, with a friendly word for everyone. “He exuded an incredible charisma, remembers Lionel Nabeth, an architect from Jerusalem present that day. He himself suggested that I return the phone to film each other together.” On the short video posted on social networks, Lionel announces: “Here is the ex and future Prime Minister of Israel!” Netanyahu nods, smiling.

Just six months later, the prophecy may turn out to be correct. Bibi’s return has never seemed so close, as the current coalition frays and polls predict Netanyahu a majority in the Knesset in the event of a snap election. Even in court, the tide seems to be turning. At almost 73 years old, the undisputed boss of the Israeli right is preparing to return to business.

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The “everything but Bibi” coalition at the end of its course

After twelve years of uninterrupted reign, Benyamin Netanyahu had to let go of power just a year ago. Despite four early elections in four years, he failed to gather the 61 deputies needed to form a coalition. Israel’s parliament has never been so right-wing, but two former Likud heavyweights, Avigdor Lieberman and Gideon Saar, lead dissenting lists and refuse to back Netanyahu. Naftali Bennett, also a former collaborator of the Likud leader, then allied himself with the centrist Lapid to form a most baroque anti-Netanyahu front: eight parties representing the entire Israeli electoral spectrum, from the pacifists of Meretz to the hard right. from New Hope to the Islamists of the Raam party.

Against all odds, this improbable assembly gives birth to a credible government platform. Netanyahu predicts the apocalypse, the mad leftist drift. “In a few days, when this dangerous government is formed, we will have a cabinet that will not allow any bold action beyond enemy lines and inside Iran. The government will not be able to act against terrorist organizations in Gaza. The government will not resist American pressure and it will allow a Palestinian consulate in the heart of Jerusalem, and therefore put the partition of Jerusalem back on the agenda,” he said.

None of these predictions came true, quite the contrary. With the exception of a series of attacks last March, Israel is experiencing a security lull. Rocket fire from Gaza has virtually ceased. The secret services multiply the assassinations in Iran. And just recently, the government allowed the very nationalist flag march through the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Last year, the same march was canceled under pressure from Hamas by a certain… Benyamin Netanyahu.

“We conducted a right-wing policy, but Netanyahu managed to create an atmosphere, deplores the former deputy of Yemina, Yom Tom Kalfon. He exploits the slightest government decision to affirm that the coalition is sold to the interests of the left and of the Arabs. He communicates wonderfully and manages to convince public opinion. For his part, Bennett was reluctant to communicate on the successes of the government. Result: we have never won the battle of public opinion.”

“You’re Finished, Bennett”

In his attempt to win back, Netanyahu spared no effort to poach the most right-wing elements of the coalition. Just before the Easter truce, he snatched a centerpiece from Naftali Bennett’s party: MP Idit Silman. At the head of the parliamentary majority, the young woman had nevertheless defended tooth and nail the alliance with the Islamist party and the most emblematic measures of the government, such as the explosive reform of the rabbinate. “Idit, we welcome you with open arms,” Netanyahu rejoiced, measuring the value of this betrayal.

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Because since Silman’s desertion, Bennett and Lapid have been trying to plug the breaches, but the coalition no longer has a majority in the Knesset. The left wing of the coalition is also rebelling. Last week, the rejection of a major law on the status of West Bank settlers sparked a crisis of unprecedented proportions. On Monday, a deputy close to Bennett gave him two weeks to have the text adopted, otherwise he would bring down the government. “You are finished Bennett”, repeats Benyamin Netanyahu on social networks. The ruthless political animal relishes his revenge.