Israel is in the midst of a crisis. At the weakest and most sensitive time for the Bennett-Lapid government, the Islamist Ra'am party has decided to throw it a lifeline, precisely because it recognizes this weakness.
By announcing from the Knesset podium on Wednesday that it would remain in the coalition, Ra'am sent a clear message to its voters: that the Israeli government has surrendered to them and now owes its very existence to them. It is a powerful message that one could only hope has also reached the political elite in Israel.
A weak government is easier to manipulate. And all those Israel depends on – the United States, for instance – will take advantage of the situation. And what led Israel to this point was the lack of military activity in the last two months.
The death of Al-Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed during clashes between IDF troops and Palestinian terrorists in Jenin on Wednesday, has unsettled the arrogant political leadership more than the death of 19 Israelis in the current terror wave.
In the past, the Israeli government used to draw conclusions immediately and the political cards were shuffled straight away. The coalition could crumble and in its place would rise a stable national government headed by the Likud.
Its members expected that some MKs, such as Ze'ev Elkin or Sharren Haskel, would assist in overthrowing the government, but based on Elkin's address at the Knesset on Wednesday, the chances of that are slim. And yet, everyone seems to be gearing up for elections.
Ra'am's decision shows that its leader Mansour Abbas would prefer Bennett remain in charge of the government, rather than Foreign Minister and PM-designate Yair Lapid. Bennett and Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's interests are clear: another election could potentially become an existential political matter. As prime minister, Bennett can take Yamina from barely crossing the electoral threshold to as many as 10 mandates. Without the premiership, it could be Yamina's end.
But the party itself is unsure, and the fall of the government could originate from here, and ensure Lapid a few months in office as prime minister. That is, until the next election. This is the good-case-scenario for the foreign minister, whose close adviser – Ehud Olmert – served as deputy prime minister in the Sharon administration for 100 days, before winning the 2006 elections and becoming prime minister himself.
The problem with holding another election is the chaos that is taking place on the religious Right, and this includes Yamina and the Religious Zionist Party. They have many confused voters, whose political leaders are no less confused themselves, which is even more striking if compared to the responsibility and internal discipline exhibited by the Left.
Meanwhile, we brace for two more days of rage: the "nakba day" and Jerusalem Day. And Ra'am will now protect those who incite violence and paralyze the Israeli government. The sovereignty of the Jewish people is at risk.
