Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has a special interest in King David. He mentions him in speeches, refers to him in private conversations, and even named his children after important characters from the King David story. For Bennett, King David is not just a symbol, but a leader worthy of emulation.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
And while there is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from a great leader, it seems that Bennett is not only fond of King David, but is desperate to leave a mark no less grandiose than that of the historical figurehead.
Bennett is beginning to realize that his hopes for increased public support and legitimization of his six-seat premiership will remain just that, and that he will soon transfer power to Prime Minister-designate Yair Lapid and the Left, without a legacy and an organic support base.
This understanding is what led Bennett and his political adviser Shimrit Meir to consider expanding his "base" to other sectors, center or Left, even at the expense of losing or abandoning the right-wing electorate.
Bennett may lose the Right once and for all but gain a Nobel Prize and fondness from the Left, Europe, the United States Department of State, and former members of the defense establishment.
However, even that does not seem to go smoothly: Bennett is not progressing, neither in diplomacy nor in the media. And worst of all: his clock is ticking. Even if he initiates a political process, someone else will reap the rewards. Will another Arab state normalize ties with Israel? The credit will go to either former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or perhaps Lapid.
With the diplomatic option off the table, Bennett is now examining a security option, a kind of wide-ranging strategic move that would ensure Bennett's place among Israel's greatest. Something bolder and more impressive than even the 1981 attack on the Iraqi nuclear reactor.
The only problem is that Bennett has no public support. With six seats in the Knesset and in the polls, no prime minister can execute a security tactic that could pose a threat to Israeli lives. And let there be no doubt, a security move that would ensure Bennett the grandeur of King David could ignite a storm in the Middle East.
Can you believe Netanyahu used to be criticized as the oneย willing to set fire to the Middle East just to stay in power? But contrary to Bennett,ย the former prime minister had wide public support, a stable base, legitimacy, and most importantly, a proven political and strategic vision that Bennett and Lapid are reaping the fruits of now.
Given his obsession with King David, Bennett is desperate to leave behind a legacy rather than get off the stage and watch Prime Minister Lapid enjoy public support and make history.
Bennett has found himself in a tight corner and with time running out, with recklessness, delusions of grandeur, and the understanding he will soon evaporate without leaving behind a legacy being the raw materials for his security decisions.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
