Loyalty to the leader may cost the right its third bid for power in less than one year
Loyalty to leadership is commendable but to what extent? A third election cycle may cost the right its chance to retake the leadership and leave Israel in the hands of the opposing ideology of the left
After years of steering our country through the dangerous waters of the Middle East, he certainly deserves are congratulations, in all sincerity and without any cynicism.
Netanyahu is an excellent prime minister who has devoted his days and nights for the good of Israel and the Jewish people.
He has led Israeli society towards prosperity and relative security.
He has protected Israel's national, security and economic interests in the face of immense pressure from inside the country and from foreign actors.
Showing a leader some gratitude after 10 years of service, is not an act of flattery.
If a leader from the opposite party had been here celebrating his birthday, the festivities would have included the public at large.
Television talk shows and newspaper headlines would have all been devoted to the happy occasion.
Another leader from a different party would not have had the slightly embarrassing presentation by a young politician crooning over the prime minister, as the pinnacle of well wishes.
May Golan, who served only a few short months as a member of Knesset for Likud, did go too far.
She not only embarrassed herself, she embarrassed Netanyahu. She was wrong to tell him that young Israelis would leave the country if he were voted out of office.
I respect Golan's authenticity. She represents the simple folksy constituents who love their leaders.
The right has been able to remain in power for the most part since Menachem Begin's incredible win in 1977.
Unlike the Israeli left that is enamored by its critical and cynical view of the country and the world as well as its elected leaders, Likud voters show loyalty to their leadership.
There has never been a Likud leader who was ousted by his party while in power.
But something has gone wrong in the right wing's approach.
Loyalty to leadership is commendable but to what extent?
I believe Netanyahu's decision to dissolve the Knesset last May, and call new elections, crossed the line.
If, having failed to form a coalition, Netanyahu would have handed the mandate to another member of Likud, Israel would have had a rightwing government in power today.
The public concurs as the September elections have shown. after Likud lost more seats and returned battered to try, for a second time to lead a new government.
Bottom line – Likud has lost the rightwing's chances to control a government suitable to its policies.
There are now two different ideologies at the helm, each pulling in a different direction as the clock is ticking towards the third election in less than a year.
If the rightwing does not wake up and quickly, the next elections may leave just one ideology on top and that will steer the country to the left.
The only one capable of solving this mess is the birthday boy himself who should use the occasion for some self-reflection.
So, alongside the warm wishes and congratulations that are certainly due, allow me to wonder: Does Netanyahu not feel he has contributed enough and for the good of the country, it may be time for Likud to present a different leader?
