Netanyahu’s Last Stand

The pundits cite a slew of reasons. Opposition to Netanyahu within the Likud is mounting, not only from potential rivals for Bibi’s post as Likud party leader, but also from Likud and chareidi loyalists who now see that they also sank with Netanyahu’s ship.

Others contend Bibi seems to have lost interest in his job. Some note — and with this, I would agree — that even if the Likud won a new election, the same party leaders who refused to form a government with him last time will decline the honor next time as well.

Still, others contend that Bibi is under pressure to seek a plea bargain in the various corruption cases against him in the three months remaining before Avichai Mandelblit, the attorney general who indicted him leaves office.

Those who cite the latter reason are ones who eagerly hang on every word of testimony from the prosecution witnesses, but pay no attention to how they wilt under cross-examination from Bibi’s lawyers.