Hints of plans for life after Bibi
THIS HAS been a good week for Gideon Saar. With just two tweets, he bolstered his status as frontrunner in the Likud succession race and highlighted Benjamin Netanyahu’s weaknesses.
The former minister, 52, is treading a difficult path between presenting himself as a Netanyahu alternative and not being tainted as assassin in a movement famously loyal to its leader.
Last week, Likud said Mr Netanyahu was considering a snap primary to dispel rumours that anyone would challenge him. Most senior Likudniks were quick to fall in line, issuing abject pledges of allegiance. The exception was Mr Saar, who tweeted two words: “I’m ready”.
“Gideon knows he probably won’t win against Netanyahu, who still has the most supporters,” said one party activist close to Mr Saar. “But he’s positioning himself as the alternative on the day after.”
Mr Saar was also banking on the prime minister’s legendary paranoiam and he was right: a day later, Mr Netanyahu agreed with Likud central committee that it would meet this week to reaffirm him as the party’s only candidate. It was another opportunity for Mr Saar to crow.
“Convening the central committee is not necessary,” he tweeted. “No-one disputes the prime minister’s position as Likud leader. When there is a contest for the leadership, as the prime minister himself initiated a few days ago, I will compete.”
Mr Netanyahu’s hold over Likud remains strong, but that does not mean his position is secure. He has now failed in two consecutive elections to win a majority for his coalition. Likud is no longer the largest party. This, combined with his legal troubles, may soon force him out of office, if not the Likud leadership.