The Maestro
Bibi might reinvigorate anti-pullout movement and bid for Likud leadership, writes Eitan Haber
Now, even if the plan is carried out and fully completed, the situation will be a little different.
The left, so quick to thank God for being relieved of Netanyahu, will now find itself up against a sophisticated enemy - an enemy who can stand before the nation and crow about how dear this country is to him, while simultaneously trying not only to complicate and hinder the implementation of the disengagement, but also to destroy Ariel Sharon and his government.
Until now, anti-pullout supporters have had too many leaders, each expressing himself differently and pushing the cause in his own direction.
At the same time, many "Oranges" have gotten lost on the path from Kissufim to Kfar Maimon.
If the “Oranges” agree to allow Netanyahu to lead the right-wing camp, he could well help pick the Israeli right up off the proverbial canvas.
By resigning now, he has given life to pullout opponents. The timing of his resignation was both wise and correct: It is still possible to do something that will help him personally and establish himself at the head of a large political following, in order to stand against Ariel Sharon during next year’s election campaign, even if he fails to derail the disengagement.
End of an era
Yesterday, the Likud officially split in two. The mutual disgust between Sharon and Netanyahu has apparently brought about an end to the current chapter in the history of the Likud.
Now, this split party will likely enter next year’s elections with two leaders.
But this split could actually strengthen the party: According to recent polls, Netanyahu and Sharon together could win 50 Knesset seats - a huge parliamentary majority by Israeli standards - but that is (a long) a way off.
They say Sharon “doesn’t stop for a red light”; if this is correct, Netanyahu could criticize his leadership.
We are about see by way of how deception you fight a war.
Movies usually end with the words, “The End.” But as for what happened yesterday, one could say, "The Beginning."
