This part is true: Bibi Netanyahu has said he wants to form a coalition with either Labor or Kadima, and he doesn’t want to form a coalition with the extreme Right wing.

Consider this: Labor has an opposing economic and security outlook from the Likud. Kadima has an opposing security outlook from the Likud and a mixed-up position on everything else. Shas is certainly going to try to extort Bibi like always.

Can a functioning coalition be formed with partners like that?

Now imagine this:
Bibi goes to the Jerusalem Conference to speak. As it happens, he bumps into Katzalah of Ichud Leumi, and they get to talking.



Katzaleh: Shalom Bibi.

Bibi: Hello Katzaleh.

Katzaleh: You know you are going to have a tough time with the coalition you are trying to form.

Bibi: I need to form a large and stable coalition.

Katzaleh: Large it may be, but stable? Everyone there will have their own agenda. You won’t be able to count on their vote, unless you buy them off with something they want – every single time. They’re all going to make trouble for you.

Bibi: That’s politics.

Katzaleh: Well, I can certainly offer you a number of guaranteed votes on all your important issues.

Bibi: [Interest piqued] How’s that?

Katzaleh: Our interests and platforms are aligned in so many areas. And you already said that you plan to allow for the needs of “Natural Growth” in our Settlements.

Bibi: I’m listening.

Katzaleh: I’ve got one simple condition. I want Ichud Leumi in the government with a ministry, preferably the “Building and Construction Ministry”.

Bibi: And in exchange?

Katzaleh: Until you try to uproot settlements, we'll support all your proposals.

Bibi: But I don’t plan to uproot settlements. And won’t you be making other unreasonable demands or threats along the way?

Katzaleh: Bibi, we’ve known each other for a long time. You know I am a pragmatist and a man of my word. Our interests are aligned. We want to improve the economy. We want to improve the education system. We want to fix the judiciary - though not like Dan Meridor does, but your own people said he doesn’t represent the Likud’s view in that.

Help us, and we’ll prop you up against your other partners who are going to make a lot of trouble for you.

Bibi: Hmmm. 10 guaranteed votes in the Knesset, and another 1 or 2 in the cabinet. That sounds like a good deal for both of us. We’ll talk more right after the elections.


Now wouldn't that be an interesting conversation?