Can Bibi Make Nice With the Centrists?

Much to the surprise and shock of many political prognosticators,   Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu and his Likudniks emerged from Israel's recent elections victorious.  However,   the political composition of the newly constituted Knesset does not consist of a solid majority of Likud's ideological soul-mates,  as the previous one did.

In fact,  the Knesset actually shifted slightly leftward:  the coalition of left-wing parties gained four seats formerly in the thrall of Likud and its rightist compatriots.   The number of seats held by the two center parties remained constant.

One of the centrist groups, the Kulanu (Hebrew for "all-of-us")  has endorsed the Likud-dominated coalition,  giving it a solid majority of 67 seats in the Knesset;   the threshold for a majority is 61.   But this alliance could prove to be a shaky one.   Sharp disagreements over domestic policy between the two parties could have an impact.  The Likudniks have a long,  bearded history of corruption and graft, as well as
 preaching the gospel of selfishness.  The income disparity within Israel  is as significant as ours here in the US and is apparently becoming more acute.

Bibi's electoral support was dependent on his ability to frighten a significant number of Israeli Jews with his racist dog-whistles.   He appears to have succeeded.   But how long can it hold together?   For starters,   Kulanu Party leader Moshe Kahlon was expecting to be appointed as the Minister of Finance,   despite his fractious history with Bibi.   (Kahlon had been a Likudnik,   but apparently broke away to form a new organization,  most likely over colliding perspectives on domestic policy.   He had previously been the finance minister until Netanyahu dismissed him).   There are reports that one of the religious parties,  United Torah Judaism,  might be given control of finance instead.

Would that decision be enough to scuttle the coalition?   Who knows.   If domestic issues ever become as great a concern as Israel's 24-7 state of siege (partially self-induced),   Bibi could be in trouble.    Maybe if he  convinces large numbers of Israeli Jews to continue hating on the Palestinians and the Iranians,  he could survive.

Then again,  suppose Netanyahu responds to international pressure, eases up on the Palestinians and speaks of statehood  ---  even if it's just lip service.   A few of his extreme right-wing partners might well drop him like a hot potato:  maybe enough to deep-six the coalition from his right flank. 

One way or another,   I believe that Bibi's --- and Likud's --- political future may be dicey.  There are others who are far more familiar with the complexities of Israeli politics than I.   Still,  it's a gut feeling.