Netanyahu could be truly heroic but…

I must first acknowledge that Mr. Netanyahu has done wonderful things for Israel, first in his economic role but even more so as the prime minister for 12 years.

As opposed to the US where ageism is a crime, Israel has mandatory retirement at the age of 68 for all government employees, with the exception of the lawyers, rabbis, and the prime minister (now over 70). I was forced into retirement and felt the law was unfair. However, if the law is there for qualified surgeons, why should it be different for the prime minister?

That issue aside, there is a far more important issue. Although Bibi is certainly a patriot, he has a quality that supersedes his patriotism: narcissim.  You see, if he were to relinquish the chairmanship of the Likud, the country could instantly have a right wing government that could accomplish everything he has always promised. Unfortunately, instead of grooming a successor he has consistently “chopped the legs off” his protégés so that they were forced to start their own parties (or at least join other right wing parties), e.g. Bennet, Sa’ar, Elkin, etc. This has left the right wing with a split between those that are still willing to work with Bibi and those that aren’t and as a consequence there has been multiple futile elections.

On the other hand, if Bibi were to allow his patriotism to conquer his narcissism and he were to resign chairmanship of the Likud, the country could easily come together under a right wing government to stand up for a safe and secure Israel. In doing so, he would be demonstrating that he is the true statesman who understands that the needs of the country and its people come before any individual, even one who has done so much in the past.