Netanyahu to form government

This was fully expected.

It is very unfortunate that Tzipi Livni "Livni, who had hoped to become prime minister herself, has shown little interest in joining Mr. Netanyahu's government. Officials say the two rivals may meet on Sunday to discuss the situation."

As usual, personal ambition trumps national interest. The important thing was to form a government of national unity. The difference between Livni and Netanyahu is rather minuscule (she articulates in voice what is still only whispered in his mind) . But without her, he will have to form a government much more "rightist"and stiff-necked with Lieberman's party, about which I don't much know except what most people are saying (suspicion at best, loathing and fear at worst). It means too much leaning towards the Right and away from the Center, which is what Likkud and Kadima (and even Labour) voters indicated with their choice. I find it hard to believe that she can be so irresponsible at this juncture. To me it means that the general wish of the Israeli public for unity, centrism and accommodation will be ignored*. Without Kadima's pull to the Center/Left, Netanyahu will have much tougher time dealing with YB's demands.

So what else is new?

From Shark Blog, a more resignated view:

There are Israelis, and lots of others, who blame Israel for the continued impasse. However, one can view the rightward tilt in this year's elections to indicate that many Israelis feel they have offered enough by way of reasonable accommodations.

The day after the election results that disappointed many, politicians and commentators proclaimed that the problem was the nature of the government. ...

Given its problems, the country is more or less successful. It has maintained its security, along with its self-critical and competitive democracy, despite intense enemies. Its social services do not fall below the levels of other countries who have similar levels of economic resources. It cannot afford everything that activists demand, partly because of the wide agreement to spend so much of its resources on defense.

On account of the structural problems of the Middle East, and its own fragmented society, Israel is likely to putter along more or less like it has. It is not neat, or satisfying, but it is.

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The party of peace and compromise which currently governs Gaza and is eagerly seeking to advance the cause of Palestinian peace in the region, has pronounced that "Mr. Netanyahu's nomination does not point to security and stability in the region in the days ahead."

Is it possible to make peace with a negotiating party that has no idea what irony means?

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* Maybe not, after all?