Bibi's Blog: Replace the government now

I wish I could believe you, Bibi.However, Israel needs a leadership which understands, and acts on the understanding, that Israeli retreat is always wrong. Israel has retreated many times and the results have always been disastrous. The Sinai retreat included. Israel would be far better off with the, strategically and militarily indispensable Sinai, and without the worthless piece of paper. Bibi, you have made it clear that under your leadership Israel is in line for more "painful concessions". Every concession Israel has made has been very painful and has brought Israel nothing but rockets on our cities, terror, maimed and murdered civilians. Bibi, you certainly have a role to play in Israel. However, you should not be P.M. I vote for Moshe Feiglin.

Bibi -- You don't need the "Unity" banner. Remember the *realism* of Yitzik Shamir: "Ideology is everything." Don't be afraid to stake the Likud on a Center-Right platform. The people need to *feel* the differentiation; they need choice in their political lives again; the pendulum is swinging away from the calculated unreal-zone of polls-only politicking (despite Barak's non-debating success in Labor, which is dead), and the era of parties violently reversing their platforms. Be careful, but don't be over-cautious. Allow yourself a little risk, and make mid-course corrections. You can hint at Unity, but even better, offer the possibility of an overwhelming Right-wing shift which will be the foundation of a new realist / ideological policy. Don't be afraid to re-educate the "marketplace of ideas" that those terms: "realism" & "ideology" can and must stand together in what will again with conviction be called a "party platform". Perhaps the Likud slogan should be: "With the new Likud, what you see is what you get. And Likud is what we *need*, NOW." Don't let *your* Likud be blanched and undefined by grasping for the center vote. You have them already. Build it (the Center-Right) and they will come.

Bibi -- You don't need the "Unity" banner. Remember the *realism* of Yitzik Shamir: "Ideology is everything." Don't be afraid to stake the Likud on a Center-Right platform. The people need to *feel* the differentiation; they need choice in their political lives again; the pendulum is swinging away from the calculated unreal-zone of polls-only politicking (despite Barak's non-debating success in Labor, which is dead), and the era of parties violently reversing their platforms. Be careful, but don't be over-cautious. Allow yourself a little risk, and make mid-course corrections. You can hint at Unity, but even better, offer the possibility of an overwhelming Right-wing shift which will be the foundation of a new realist / ideological policy. Don't be afraid to re-educate the "marketplace of ideas" that those terms: "realism" & "ideology" can and must stand together in what will again with conviction be called a "party platform". Perhaps the Likud slogan should be: "With the new Likud, what you see is what you get. And Likud is what we *need*, NOW." Don't let *your* Likud be blanched and undefined by grasping for the center vote. You have them already. Build it (the Center-Right) and they will come.

I absolutely agree with Mr. Netanyahu. The Israeli government is willing to please western governments, and western governments which are dependants of Arab oil, try to please the Arabs, which completes a vicious circle.

And nobody can focus on the real issue: this is the battle of Jerusalem, and Israel is perceived by Muslims as the spearhead of the "crusaders" or whatever term they coin for western civilization, targeted for destruction.

Juan José

My Beloved Bibi,

You are the one who pulled backed from Chevron while you were in government. You made it unsafe for the whole Gush Eztzion bloc including Chevron, Efrat etc. The south of Israel now has to be patrolled by the Israeli Army. You took away the Jewish homes by the Tomb of the Patriarchs (Maarat Hamachpelah) and Rachel's Tomb what is left are Hamas Terrorists. Nobody can go to these areas . What is left? The north? The south?

Don't speak tall don't carry a big stick just protect us!

Thank God for a man like Benjamin Netanyahu. Oh, how Eretz Israel needs a man like this to be PM. It's time for Ehud Olmert to step aside.

Hmm, Bibi as Israeli PM and Rudy as US President - what a great combo. I feel safer just thinking of it. You go Bibi!!!

One can only hope that should Bibi return to the nation's leadership, he will demonstrate that he has learned the lessons himself that concessions invite aggression, not peace- that he will not be so willing to buckle under to pressure from its erstwhile allies when Israel's interests are at stake. One way to do that is to make clear that Golan is no longer on the table.

Israel now is surrounded by Arab extremists (is there anything new in this?), on it's west, north and far east. Instead of Egypt and Jordan (still there), it's current crop of

enemies (Hezbollah, Hamas and a nuclear Iran) simply defy the imagination. Israel has no answers and is caught in a vice: it's actions are condemned worldwide to defend itself, so it's restrainted. Iran is only slapped on the knucles,

while it accumulates long range missiles and a nuclear technology. Israel has yet to come up with any sort of viable action. Bibi knows the problems, which are obvious to everyone. He does not yet offer any realitic alternatives. Maybe there are none? Hitting Hamas and Hezbollah seem more like a fantasy. Jordan nyets a federation (I told you so). Russia is meddling more each day. The US is getting out of Iraq..boycotts galore (are there any counter boycotts- I haven't really noticed any of importance). Oh yes, Yeshiva U. will boycott the boycotters. Wowowow.

Mr. Coiro, #4, is correct. Although PM Netanyahu is apparently the best possiblilty for the next PM, very very soon I hope, he has not here addressed the problems Mr. Coiro brought up - with particular attention to the United States. With a State Department and Secretary (and probably President) caving in to Saudi Arabian oil, what should Israel do? Can Israel be defiant against the U.S. State Dept.? Or is it necessary to cave in to U.S. requests (demands)? Israel should of course do research to eliminating oil need anywhere, but particularly for Israel. How much hope is there in this? If sufficient hydrogen can be produced, world wide preferably, this can defeat the Arabs and polution in one shot. Since reciprocating engines have already been proven to work well on hydrogen, what is Israel doing here?

During the Second Lebanon War I was published in Haaretz make your point that the Political Leaders of Israel had no idea what they were doing. I complained that they needed to follow the "Powel Doctrine" which proposed that they only way to go to war is to use maximum force and maximum tactics to destroy the enemy's ability and capacity to make war. Israel failed to do this.

To date they do not have one idea on how to meet the present situation. In the present situation they need to work with President Abbas and his new Prime Minister. Before transfering any money to the Palestinian proper accounting proceedures and strict oversight and review on how the Palestinians use the released funds need to be in place. The funds can no longer be divereted for the purpose of waging a terrorist war against Israel or the West. Second, every illegal weapon in the West Bank held by palestinian civilians must be collected. Only the Security Forces of the Palestinian Authority should be allowed to carry weapons. This is not for the security of the Israeli residence of the West Bank but for the Safety and Security of the Palestinians who cannot leave their homes in fear of being shot. Third, the Palestinians must eradicate the educating of hatred and Jihad against Israel and the West. Hamas TV and any other terrorist propoganda must not be allowed to be shown on Palestinian TV. The Education system must refelect the position of the Palestinian Authority, and accept Israel's right to exist. The teaching of young children to hate Jews and Israel and the West has to end now.

Once the Palestinians make a real, honest, conceted effor to achieve these goals Israel should be prepared to talk to the Palestinians on how to end the conflict, make life easier for the the Palestinian people, help them build a fee market economy by which the Palestinians can build a future for their children.

As for Gaza, first shut off the electricty and close the borders and cut off all fuel to Gaza so as to limit the use of fuel to propel rockets into Israel. If they wish to continue to fire rockets into Israel, then harsher measures (such as cutting off water and food to Gaza from Israel)needs to be taken until the people of Gaza will rise up and put an end to the terrorists causing their pain.

The dumy that is the Prime Minister of Israel has no clue how to move forward. He just in the giving mood with out looking for ways to change the situation on the ground so as to give a real commitment to peace by both sides a chance to take root. Olmert needs to go now before he does any more damage to Israel security and its people.

Thx, Bibi. It's amazing that this simple common sense isn't the overwhelming choice of Israelis. But then, I'm not an Israeli, so what the hell do I know?

We need you Bibi. Do not be short sighted, do not be power hungry. Do what needs to be done and you will be remembered for a thousand years by the Jewish people.

Bibi:Frankly I don't see you suggesting real policies.I see you criticizing the present government with justifiable and correct criticism but without offering your solution except vote for me. As a previous blogger mentioned your past policies in some sense may have premeditated the poor strategic deeds of Barak and Sharon who were good tactitions but lousy strategists.Dependence on world opinions cannot make Israel the light of the nations or scare the terrorist regimes Israel is facing. Let us hear what you are going to do so that people in Israel can decide if they wish to throw their lot with you .Incidentally, I don't think King David would have worried about the goyim, what they think or what they might do to Israel(i.e. an embargo or support the arab world in a mass attack). Just read his psalms. Read what the Torah says and don't be afraid.

Bibi...prepare your luggage...for the sake of your own people you soon will be going back where you belong "King of Israel"...Amen.

Mr. Netanyahu:

Mr. Olmert is making a big mistake in even considering returning the Golan. I still intend to move a large number of vietnam veterans to the Golan to establish a truly demilitarized zone. Were you aware that Joshua when they entered the Promised Land set aside a number of cities as cities of refuge. One of these is the Golan. I notified Ms. Ramona Bar Lev and Mr. Olmert of my intentions, but have not heard anything from either of them since the spring of 2000. You might want to consider looking into this option. Michael

Every day Olmert remains in power, Israel is weakened. Bibi, the longer you wait, the worse everything will become. Press Winograd to stop delaying their final report- September is too late. They need to clearly insist on Olmert's resignation now. What about a Likud demonstration? There is no pressure on this government to leave unless you organize some public demonstrations. If you wait till Abbas is promised more and more concessions, it will be very difficult to undo the damage. Bush only has another six months to force Israel to follow the Baker plan, then all attention in the US will be diverted to the coming election.If you do not assert yourself now, Israel will retreat further w/o any benefit, ie help w/Iran.

The only choice for Israel and America, is Bibi. Those of us who are Zionists, and Americans worry more and more for God's country. Please put a strong hand in Israel's government, Netanyahu.

Bibi you failed us miserably and showed us how weak a leader you were by not standing strong against the Gush Katif expulsions.Unfortunately the "Right" in Israel has no other leaders right now so you are the best of all evils.

You say replace the government now. Now? When is this general election you are refering to? Other press makes it sound as if it won't be until 2008. Final Winograd was supposed to be in July, but as recently reported is moved back to October. I see many of my own personally written and voiced comments spread across government communications, turned to personal political advantage. I am ready. I'm the harassed genius with the phraseology and solutions, parted out to others for their self-aggrandizement illegally. So when is NOW?

Bibi;

I think many of the other people here are giving an emotional response to your blog with yak yak...I absolutely it is time for Israel to be stronger economically first and then be militarily able to take the war to the enemy's front door...We also need to make sure that Zionism is not tarnished by Bolshevism. However the Likud should not just be a right wing conservative stereotype, but rather take a Centrist perspective. There is alot of good stuff in this blog. Thank you

Bibi, please come back. Time is running against us and Olmert has already proved his incompetence.

Winning the power by Hamas is not necessarily bad for Israel, if Israel deals with this in a smart way. Help them fail their people and discredit themselves.

I believe it is easier to deal both from military and political / PR prospective with an open enemy (Hamas) than with more cunning and hypocritical enemy such as Fatah / Al-Aqsa Brigades. Israel has a bunch of options to control Gaza: from cutting electricity and water supplies to bombing houses and offices of terrorist leaders (Hamas government). These steps can be taken in response to a rocket attack or to demand return of Gilad Shalit. The current government does not have a political will or vision even to try solving problem of Hamas. Hopefully, a government of Likud with PM B. Netanyahu is capable of doing this.

hey, it takes a strong leader to get things done. The Iranians freed the hostages at Reagan's inauguration. Nixon opened trade with China without being called a 'commie-lover. It takes a perception that the man in charge is hard-nosed, and will take down anyone down in his way. Olmert doesnt have that, Netanyahu does. Understanding didnt win World War II or any of Israels wars against Arab enemys. It took a perception of Israels military strength. Time for a perception of Israels political and military strength.

Dear Bibi;

Whatever you do, do not listen to the mystics...They are full of themselves.maholam

Sadly, I think Bibi is right on many points, and is one of very few politicians in Israel to see the whole reality of the facts and what really needs to be done. As a Persian Jew, I see iran and their puppet terror groups as the main enemy, and we must do ALL we can to destroy them ALL!!! I hope to see you back in power to take all steps to do so, and get our kidnapped soldiers back regardless of how many worthless arabs we must kill in the process! Just remember that their mentality will never change and until they are wiped out we can not live free of terror or evil in our midst. Best wishes to you on all your endevors and I look forward to voting for you no matter where I will be. Love live Israel, and DEATH to all our enemies!

Bibi;

I have to say I agree with #13 and #14, but remember, you are not Moshe, you are more like Joshua and Caleb...There are people on here who are acting like you are some sort of sage or something. Some of these deserve a smack upside the head because they are like those who judge men from thier outer appearance and know nothing of his heart the way Elohim knows...You are a good leader who has been seasoned by the turmoil of Israel's struggle to continue. There is still much reform that needs to be made in government. One these is not having to share yourt cabinet with people the country did not vote for. That is not Centrist, that is just compromising the will of the people.

As I had once pointed out in these pages twenty years ago, missiles and robotics will be the weapons of success. True, some year Hamas will try to invade with 5000 SUVs aimed at Tel Aviv and Hezeliya. If Israel still has tanks (for which, like fighter planes, I have a nostalgic love) Israel will fail - for each agile SUV will have a dozen, brilliant anti-tank missiles designed at MIT by Palistinean-American faculty. But if the Israel front line is five thousand small robots with high speed BBs designed to shred the radiators of the SUVs - the Israelis in mobile, air-conditioned air-hopping command vehicles need just wait for the hot sun to take it toll. The future holds unconventional war, and perhaps an unconventional peace - found when the peacemakers exercise the economic control over their society and receive the full rights to which all people rightfully aspire.

Lower taxes may help a few (including myself) but a well-educated and dedicated work force will attract greater investment and innovation, offsetting the rapidly growing backlash in the US against the usurious 'Jewish' bankers & Israel, charging the middle class 35% on their credit cards.

As Ezra Pound once noted that "the root of all war is usury", perhaps 'an equitable balance' is the root of all peace.

"Bad officials are elected by good

citizens who do not vote." - George Jean Nathan

And that's how Olmert got elected in the first place. Let's be sure the vote for you gets out and does it right (pun intended) this time!!

I wish all the main candidates for office would clearly state their platform on issues of security, economy, ecology, a just court system in both the civil courts and Rabbinute and finally a long overdue plan to delegate to the best people for the different roles in our government. I don't see from the media that any of the candidates have done this so far and that has made me feel a certain apathy. Bibi, Barak, Feiglin, etc.-what are you going to do for the country and how will you make things better?

Bibi;

I think that #31 is saying something that should be regarded, because he is correct. I will go further by saying that the choices for appointmenting of people to Ministerial post should not be reduced to those who are already serving in the Knesset. The Prime Minister should be allowed to pick from outside those who prove to have a better specialty or expertise. Right now Olmerts cabinet is still not arranged properly because he has Lawyer as Finance Minister and not an economist...When Bank Of Israel meets with the Finance Ministry is the Bank gonna have to sit him before a chalkboard to teach him terms about banking and economics before they start discussing the economy? Without reforms being made to stop swashbuckling and mutiny on the Bounty in the Parliament, you will not be anymore effect at leading the country than the Queen of England who lives in a guilded cage.

I have always found Bibi to be a smooth talker, who knows his audience. I like much of what he says and he has done good with the economic reforms. But I have also seen, as many have, his soft sided politics when it comes to dealing with the Arab neighbors. I am afraid that Bibi is unreliable when it comes to making tough security decisions, and in dealing with the US Administration. He is very American, in dress, talk, and life, and wants to "keep the peace" with all his many political friends in Washington DC. I feel that Israel will be better served with someone who has a stronger focus on independent thought and action, like Likud's heavy hitters - Begin and Shamir. Bibi had his days and he needs to let his party move forward, not backward. Israel needs it too.

Mr. Netanyahu, why Can't I Vote? I wanted to join the Likud to be able to vote in the Primaries and was told its not allowed according to their rules, they didn't specify what the rules are, but I imagine its a waiting period. Doesn't seem very fair. Right now I am tied between Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Feiglin, with the 1st I admire his devotion to Israel and strengths, but also worry about leaning to Oslo, fighting for the rich and big business, forgetting the poor. With the other, I identify more with his outlook, but worry about religious coercion and extremism coming in. It would be great to see a debate in English and to hear from the head of the Likud that I as a citizen am allowed my right to vote, otherwise the Likud is illegitimate in my opinion.

I agree with respondents 11 and 24: stop supplying Gaza with water and power. The United States did not provide fuel and food to Germany during World War II. Had any U.S. citizen or entity done so, that citizen would have been guilty of treason - providing aid and comfort to the enemy of the United States.

I realize that each country has its own laws and that these differ from the laws of other countries, but I would assume that something as fundamental to the security and integrity of a polity as providing aid to the enemies of the polity would be not merely folly but a crime

At this time, a Netahyahu government is the only government that can appropriate respond to the enemies of Israel and address the security needs not only of Israel but of the west.

Bibi;

Gaydamak is smart man, but his motives for being charitable remain to be seen. He could capitalize on any mistakes you make from not putting the people first. You must out perform Social justice on their platform, and you can do it easily. I think Gadaymak could bring something to these elections that has been missing from Israel's politics. They could bring good competition for pursuing excellence in servitude toward the people.

To #34 and Bibi: while the leadership in Gaza is evil, one can't say that about a million people living there are, to cut off their water would be inhumane, we are better than that.

Mr. Netanyahu, it would be awesome if both you and Mr. Feiglin were working together, incredibly beneficial for the country, the combined efforts of both has the potential to be the positive catalyst for change that we need. We need you both!

May Yah bless you Bibi. Shalom

Bibi;

It is good that Gadaymak thinks highly of you, but do not forget the national language of the Jewish State is not Russian or Yiddish, it is Hebrew. Eretz Y'srael. However there is alot that can be learned from Russian politics.

Bibi;

I enjoy reading these blog responses. I would like to say I agree with #37 but I do not know exactly what Mr. Feiglin's religious foundation is. There are many who are calling themselves Orthodox religious Jews when in reality they are involved in mysticism. Many people mistakenly classify things like Kabbalah as being Jewish mysticism when there is nothing Jewish about it. It is a Hermetic art that uses the Hebrew language. If Feiglin is a person of traditional judaism. The one that practiced during the time of exile in ancient Bablylon; which is the practice of synagogue and traditional reading of Torah Parasha and Midrash. I am willing to support a Feiglan-Netanyahu platform, but my question is how much of Shas or Chabad is Feiglin? I have some disagreements with them over their perceptions of Judaism.

Shalom to you

Bibi;

Feiglin is a fake and you should not share a platform with a person who is double-speak. He would be better off representing scientology than Torah because Scientologist are open to basing their facts on theories. He sounds good at first but then he gets going on what he thinks Torah law should be. You cannot change the commandments given by YHWH to Moshe. If anybody elects Feiglin, it will be like telling Satan to leave the front porch while holding the back door open for him to enter again.

I see right through your little plan Bibi. You are a Trojan Horse. What makes you so different from the suicidal Israeli left? You speak English well? I will only believe you can make changes when you say outright Israel will never relinquish Judea and Samaria, Gaza and the Golan.

You talk well on issues. But talk doesn't translate into action. As a PM you didnt deliver, herhaps now you can, they gave Churchill a 2nd chance

Israel lacks a singular identity exuding the fortitude necessary to confront the predators that surround it. I pray this changes before the enemies of God are organized enough to provoke Him. Compromise is antithesis to conviction. Mr. Netanyahu, please continue to convict.

Dear Bibi,

Enough already! do not give anymore of the Land away!!! A change of government must happen and soon!!! Olmert must be replaced. When are the next elections? Can he be stopped. The enemy doesn't care how much land he is given, all he wants is to rid the world of G-D's people! To destroy the land promised to the Jewish people. This jealousy has gone on long enough! and now they come with a god even their fathers didn't know! May the G-D of Israel have mercy on the world if Islam wins this war! Jew and christian alike will lose the right of religious choice. Or lose their heads.

Dear Mr. Netanyahu, We are praying that you will be able to change your government soon.

NO land give-away, NO concessions to anyone without their recognizing Israels right to exist. May God grant the U.S. the grace to continue to support your nation in all matters related to your survival as a democracy.

God Bless