Obama waiting for Bibi

At this time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for his visit in Washington later this month. In recently days, perhaps because of the Independence Day celebrations, the Americans toned down their messages and minimized their statements regarding the Palestinian issue.

Meanwhile, a person who already created some fires, Avigdor Lieberman, also put down the volume. However, officials in Jerusalem know that Obama is waiting for Bibi and is expecting to receive a nice, generous present from him – one that would prove that Israel’s prime minister understands reality, the way White House officials see it.

For the time being, it is still unclear what the prime minister is preparing for the American president, and in fact, for the entire Israeli public.

Some political officials estimated that after he took office, Netanyahu opened the safe in the Prime Minister’s Office and his hair became even whiter when he saw Israel’s real strategic situation – on all fronts.

“He said that the way of the Right won, yet now he is looking for a way,” said Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni in closed-door sessions. “Ultimately, he will be doing exactly what I said he’ll be doing in my speech at the government’s inauguration ceremony.”

Livni may be right, and this may also be the reason for the quiet that prevails in the Prime Minister’s Office: Netanyahu may have simply found himself facing a much more complex reality than the one he sold to the public on the eve of elections. Things look differently from the PM’s Office, etc.

Nobody wants to topple government

How will this affect the government and its makeup? Labor party ministers say that Netanyahu’s diplomatic plan is critical. “Critical for government stability?” we asked them, seeking to identify the upcoming crisis. “Heaven forbid,” said one of the ministers. “Not at all. It’s critical for reality, for our relations with the Americans. Yet it is doubtful whether there is anyone who would want to topple the government at this time.”

This answer is an accurate snapshot of the current political reality in Israel, a month after the government was formed: There are numerous complex issues on the agenda and countless reasons for coalition crises and endless arguments – yet it is doubtful whether they would take place. Why? Because nobody has an interest in creating real shocks.

Barak and his partners within Labor realize that they cannot go anywhere. In fact, they are attached to their government seats, not that they wish to get up, heaven forbid. Yet they are stuck. Even their protests would seem ridiculous at this time, as it is clear they are not real. They understand that in order to take advantage of possible Netanyahu failures, they must let time pass. So for the time being, Barak and his colleagues will again have to compromise and humiliate themselves.