Israel's present Knesset is nearing its two-year landmark. Just a half year to go. Officially, elections are every four years, and most Israelis considered their mandate up by the end of 2006's controversial and disastrous war, which took place within its first six months. That was just over a year ago.
The significance of two years is that after being a Knesset Member for two years, the politician can benefit from extremely generous and desirable pension rights. My prediction still stands that the glue holding the government together will decompose when the MK's can get pensions. Remember that for the government to fall, the MK's must vote for it. It may not mean new elections immediately, since Bibi, Lieberman or a Kadima MK, if Olmert allows, can try to form a new coalition. That gives them a little more time.
After new elections are called, the sitting government becomes a "lame duck," which can be even more dangerous, especially when we think of those presently holding ministerial portfolios. They have nothing to lose and aren't dependent on public support.
Lieberman is chafing at the restrictions of his deal with Olmert. He knows that he'd lose most of his voter support if he's part of a government which banishes Jews from Judea and Samaria, the lynch pin in the deal that Olmert is cooking with the Pseudistinians. Olmert is being cheered by Blair and Peres, even though the Israeli public opposes him.
Even though Likud's Sylvan Shalom didn't run against Bibi to head the party, he isn't out of the picture. He has proposed a new law which would mandate that any government decision with "important diplomatic ramifications" would have to be approved by a referendum.
And while all this is going on, where's Olmert? Olmert Shuns Media, Cancels New Year's Interviews
Shabbat Shalom U'Mevorach!
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