By Marney Blom
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stunned the nation on Tuesday by signing a deal with the Kadima party, giving him the largest coalition in 28 years and avoiding an early election in September.
For the most part Israelis back the new unity government believing it will help stabilize the nation. Pundits however contend that Netanyahu will have his hands full trying to corral consensus amongst an even wider range of opposing views.
So what is really behind the unity deal? According to Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for the Jerusalem Post, the answer is simply, “Iran, Iran, Iran.”
An early September election would likely oust the unpopular Ehud Barak, whose military advise and strategy Netanyahu respects, particularly as the PM personally served under his command. By nixing early elections, Netanyahu keeps Barak in place.
Secondly, Netanyahu’s surprise unity government victory could send strong signals of the Israeli PM’s increasing fortitude, and possibly intimidate the reluctant Iranians back to the negotiating table later this month.
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