Men Who Would Be Bibi

Other Israeli politicians can't stand Netanyahu, but the voters may still stick by him

Benjamin Netanyahu has failed. His fragile coalition--a pastiche of right-wing and centrist Israeli politicians--has been dashed by debate over the Palestinian peace process and riven by internal conflict. Halfway through his 4 1/2-year term, Netanyahu has been forced to agree to new elections. All around him, Likud members of his coalition are defecting. The party's elder statesman, former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, has called him "the angel of destruction." Hardly a voice has been raised in his defense.

Nevertheless, from all appearances, the Prime Minister of Israel is a happy fellow. Looking fresh and crisp in a blue suit, Netanyahu in...

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