The move by Likud members who signed a pledge saying Benjamin Netanyahu is their only nominee for the role of the prime minister – despite how it was mocked by the opposition – was within the legitimate purview of an election campaign.
In recent months, the Left has all but abandoned any ideological debate focusing on the different worldviews between the opposite political ends, focusing instead on driving a wedge between the Likud and its leader out of an obvious desire to divide and conquer. "It's not you," they explain to Likud members, "it's him. Just let him go and we can all get along."
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The "pledge of allegiance" by Likud members is symbolic. If ever put to a legal test it will not stand up to any practical scrutiny, but it seeks to send a simple message from Likud to the Left, namely that the ruling party's members will not fall for their ruse.
Still, despite Likud's efforts, something about the Left's campaign is starting to gnaw at the Right's lead and the fact that as long as Netanyahu leads Likud it – and with it, the Right – is all but guaranteed an electoral win, is beginning to fall by the wayside.
The Left's campaign, labeling Netanyahu as a liability for Likud, could never have succeeded on its own. Unfortunately, it is fueled by Netanyahu himself – by the lack of decisive action in the Gaza Strip and, among other things, the failed talks to have Labor join the coalition after the April 9 elections.
Every issue has an explanation, the kind that would set many minds at ease, but the more issues arise the closer Netanyahu and Likud get to risking critical mass.
There is still time to rectify the situation, even if the road to that runs through the "pledge of allegiance." There should be a commitment to the values of the national camp and a right-wing government.
One could be easily fooled into thinking the public wants a national unity government, but the fact is, the majority of the public wants a right-wing government, but one that is more decisively committed to its own values.
Netanyahu, it seems, needs to make a stronger public commitment that he will pursue that – not a coalition that has leftist components – and so do his future coalition partners.
Such a commitment must be crystal clear and include the promise of the appropriate nominations, such as ministers who will not hesitate to carry out right-wing policies with respect to foreign affairs, security, and the judiciary; and coalition partners who will back not only extensive settlement construction across Judea and Samaria, but also potential annexation and installing Israeli sovereignty across the entire land of Israel.
And speaking of loyalty, Blue and White's heads should consider a "pledge of allegiance" of their own, as their squabbling indicates that their alliance is faltering. Alas, Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid can only dream of their party members offering them the same backing as Likud members offer Netanyahu.
