I'm wondering if there isn't an advantage to the Ichud Leumi not being in the government right now. Right now they can say what really needs to be said and should be said without fear of official reprisal against Israel.

It would be hard to describe Rahm Emanuel as a great (or even a secret) supporter of Israel, and when he made a recent remark to the effect of, "In the next four years, there will be a peace agreement with the Palestinians on the basis of two states for two peoples, and it does not matter to us who is the prime minister" there is certainly serious cause for concern.

Katzeleh responded to this remark with a letter that included "For many Israelis, this report is a cause for worry because it reveals a condescending attitude toward our prime minister and Israeli public opinion. This is an attitude that Israel does not expect from a real friend such as the US, and all the more so from an Israeli Jew who has succeeded in being appointed White House chief-of-staff."

And he continued with, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" quoting from the Book of Esther (4:14).

Unfortunately, while Katzeleh was right to write this, it was kind of wasted.

I honestly don't think Rahm sees Mordechai or Esther as the actual heroes to be emulated from Megillat Esther - if you know what I mean.

I suspect that in this case Revach v'Hatzalah will be coming from another place.