As we wait for more news to be released, I think it is pretty clear that Netanyahu is likely to be our next Prime Minister. At this point (with his weak moral fiber), I find that to also be a scary prospect.

Rumor has it that Sharon asked President Katsav to replace him as Acting Prime Minister while he was to undergo tomorrow’s (anticipated) surgery, not that that stopped Olmert from taking over. I guess everyone unelectable deserves one chance to be PM in Israel, even if it is by default.

At this point Sharon will either buy the farm or go back to it. I personally hope it’s the second. Let him enjoy his retirement in peace, perhaps with only an occasional Kassam lobbed his way.

This will certainly send the nominees in a tizzy. Everyone will want to run back to their mother party. Netanyahu will probably be weak and say yes (Livnat and Shalom will be pushing him that way). Peretz will certainly say yes to Peres. Olmert will run as the head of what’s left of Kadima. Shinui will get their lost votes back. NRP is still going to disappear (either by lack of votes, or by pulling a "Meimad").

It’s a shame that Sharon made the choices he did in the past few years, whatever his motivation or intended (but also unknown) goals.

Expelling Jews from their homes, not peace and security, will be Sharon’s everlasting legacy.