Is Bibi on his way out? : Netanyahu loses his magic

Considering that Benjamin Netanyahu has now failed in two consecutive elections, in six months, to win a majority for his coalition of right-wing and religious parties, could the end be near for Israel’s longest-serving prime minister?

For a man who is famous for his uncanny ability to defy the polls and win improbable election victories, these must be difficult times. The truth is that very few people would think that Bibi could ever run out ideas.

More pressure is also being piled on the 69-year-old politician as he shortly faces a pre-trial hearing for several corruption cases in which he stands to be indicted for bribery and fraud.

However, it would be foolish to write him off completely as the magician may still have some tricks up his sleeves.




Should the end come for the magician, his most likely successor would be Benny Gantz. He is the leader of Israel’s largest party. If he can form a coalition he is in pole position to become Israel’s next prime minister.

Gantz, 60, is a temperate former army general who entered politics only eight months ago.