Bennett’s dream staves off Netanyahu’s nightmare

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu famously detests New Right coleaders Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked, but there’s something he dislikes more: not being prime minister.

It’s not surprising therefore that as soon as there were whispers about the pair talking to Blue and White, Netanyahu made sure to lock them down by giving Bennett what he has always wanted since the start of his political career, which is the defense portfolio.

In return, the New Right and Likud factions in the Knesset merged, meaning that the Likud is now the largest faction with 35 seats as opposed to Blue and White’s 33.

This strengthens Netanyahu’s position in negotiating a rotation agreement with Blue and White for the premiership, because the primary argument that Blue and White leader Benny Gantz should be prime minister first was that they have more seats.

It sounds like a win-win. Bennett’s dream came true, and Netanyahu got help in staving off his nightmare.

But there are still a few strange things about this deal.

First of all, Netanyahu got played.

said, explaining that he plans to put the symbolism of the moment aside so he can remain focused on the positive aspects of Israeli-Jordanian ties.

On Sunday, Jordan’s King

Abdullah is expected to deliver a speech during the opening session of the Jordanian parliament, and it is presumed he will speak of Naharayim and Tzofar.

Jordan plans to invest in the two sites as tourist attractions.

The country’s economy expert, Zian Zawaneh, told Jordanian media that the geographic nature and availability of water will lead to investment in agriculture and tourism in the two areas.

“Jordan could benefit from both the agricultural and tourist areas, whether at the local, Arab or international levels, if we provide the appropriate environment and services in them,” he said. “The agricultural technology currently used in these areas does not belong only to Israel. It’s an international technology any party can use.”

Ghassan Obeidat, former head of the Jordanian Jordan Valley Authority, said that the two areas can be turned into a tourist attraction because of their attractive nature and historical landmarks, such as the first bridge linking Jordan and the West Bank.

Obeidat and other Jordanian officials and economy experts expressed hope that the Jordanian government would invest in the two areas.

Former Jordanian parliament member Amjad al-Maslamani, owner of a tourist agency in Amman, announced on Saturday that his agency will soon conduct tours of Naharayim

and Tzofar. •