Labor Joins Likud Led Governement At What Cost?

It is no secret that I am a fan of a right wing Israeli government. I was hoping for a Likud led coalition this time around, and it looks like it is happening. However, there are costs to both sides for the recent Labor-Likud deal.

On the Labor side, the issue is obvious. Party Chair and Defense Minister Ehud Barak looks like he sold out his party values for personal political gain. Barak was on the verge of losing his seat at the top of Labor after a pitiful election turnout, and he did what he had to do to stay on top. Peretz was ready to jump at the opportunity to take Labor’s top seat, but not this time.

Likud, on the other hand, had to give up the autonomy it would have had in an unchecked right wing coalition. Likud could have done almost whatever it wanted without a blink from Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu. Now Labor and Yisrael Beiteinu may align on issues against Likud, and Likud may have to give in to keep the government together.

Additionally, both parties have to worry about a group of Labor MKs that have threatened to go against the party. If that happens, the coalition may be down to 60. That would put them at a dead lock 60-60 with the opposition. Labor is threatened with a party faction splitting off. Likud may be stuck in an agenda that is not optimal for party goals. It will be an interesting session in the Knesset.