Leader in a Bunker

By Moshe Feiglin

From his hiding place, the leader of the Israelis sent a pre-recorded message to the dedication ceremony of the Hurva Synagogue at the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem. Political observers explained that Netanyahu was not interested in putting in an appearance in "East" Jerusalem, potentially incurring the wrath of Obama once again. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz even admitted that he and other senior ministers in the Likud and the government do not cross the Green Line.

Bibi's videotaped speech is only too reminiscent of the behavior of a wanted international terrorist somewhere in the mountains of Afghanistan, or the head of Islamic terror somewhere in Lebanon. Never before has Israel had such fearful leaders. Leadership that does not rely on G-d has nothing to lean on. Its certain collapse is only a matter of time. And that time is now.

After apologizing to the US for building in his capital city, Bibi had to appease his home front. His power base is still the national camp. He knows that he must continue to sedate the Likudniks, the Right and the Religious Zionists. After all, it is only thanks to them and their endorsement after the election that he is the first Israeli prime minister to rule despite the fact that he lost the race.

And so, in his typical flip-flop fashion, Bibi announced that he will continue to build in Jerusalem. He will say almost anything to confuse the Jews so that they will leave him alone – allowing him to continue selling our country out. When it comes time to actualize his sale, he can always kill the old horse – the nationalists – and ride on a different horse, just as Sharon did before the Expulsion. It's a simple method. First, use the Likud and the religious public to win the elections and to rule. Afterwards, add the Labor party to the coalition and then dispense of the Likud and create a new party, like Kadimah, made up of all the political defectors and opportunists.

Nothing is hidden behind pretty words anymore. Jerusalem is on the table. But the naïve Jews still support Bibi. Like a small child with a violent father or a woman suffering with an abusive husband, they have no alternative. They are incapable of imagining themselves standing on their own two feet. That is the source of Bibi's hold on power. That is also why Feiglin is the greatest danger to his continued incumbency. Not Ahmadinijad and not Nassrallah. In the past weeks Netanyahu has invested more energy trying to ensure that Feiglin does not gain additional power in the Likud than he has in dealing with the Iranian threat.

For the time being, Israel has apologized for building in Jerusalem. Afterwards, it will be Acco and Ramle, Lod, Haifa and Be'er Sheva. This past week reminded me of the days following the handshake between Rabin and Arafat. Then, I thought that the public would never allow it to happen. After all, all Israeli governments had spurned the arch-murderer. All of them had vowed not to negotiate with him – it was a principle written in stone. But as soon as Rabin shook Arafat's hand, everybody almost magically toed the line. Those who continued to oppose talks with him suddenly became strange, illegitimate extremists.

Today, Jerusalem enjoys a widespread consensus. But now, possible retreat from our holiest city is a topic that is publicly debated. How did that happen? Years and years of leftist-engendered doubt have been gnawing away under the cloak of declarations of loyalty to Jerusalem. Israel's media, the leftists of the justice system and other powers-that- be prepared the delegitimization campaign against the settlers years before the destruction of Gush Katif. They are using the same methods now.

There is one major difference, though. Today, we can do more than protest. Today we have created an alternative to Netanyahu's leadership. Thousands of people loyal to their Jewish identity are registering for the Likud. Netanyahu knows that loyal people will prefer a loyal leader. There is still time before Bibi sets his abandonment and destruction plans into motion. We are positioned to establish loyal, Jewish leadership for Israel. With G-d's help, that is exactly what we will do!