Why is no one in Likud speaking out against the immunity bill?
Opinion: Likud members who say they long for the days of Menachem Begin, when open debate was tolerated, should dare to speak out now and keep democracy alive
Likud ministers and members of Knesset, versed in juggling politics and values are in a bind.
In the course of the 2019 election campaign, members of Likud were clear.
Reports of any planned legislation to ensure the immunity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from prosecution, in the three corruption cases against him, were baseless.
Some, when asked how they would vote, should such legislation be tabled, responded that they would not support it.
Minister of Police Gilad Erdan said he would vote against an immunity bill and Netanyahu himself in interviews, days before the elections, stated "I will not advance any immunity law, that is just spin".
But following his win in the 2019 elections, Netanyahu feels empowered.
His own immunity from prosecution and his legislative agenda to bypass and weaken the Supreme Court, are now front and center in negotiations with potential coalition partners.
He is now supported by far-right Jewish home party member MK Bezalel Smotrich, a much more cooperative partner than his predecessor, Naftali Bennett.
Where are those Likud members who spoke out against an immunity law before the elections? and why are they silent today?
They have been taken hostage by Netanyahu who can grant or withhold ministerial portfolios from them in his new government.
They are running scared.
Netanyahu's loyal choir of supporters and even the man himself, respond with immediate ferociousness to any hint of opposition from within.
The Likud party has had its ups and downs over the years, but an open debate was always allowed in its ranks.
Those nostalgic for the reign of Menachem Begin and the "old Likud" should realize it may still exist, if only its members would dare to speak out.
