a status quo type of guy

MK Benjamin Netanyahu, former Prime Minister, was never one for big moves. He was mostly a status quo kind of leader. He never made big reforms, no matter how much he talked about it. He did well on the economy without any major moves, no major privatizations or dismantling of the unions, though when Corona came around he "printed" money non-stop (though he kind of had to considering the lockdowns). he never really solved any security situation and only went on limited defensive operations (aka wars) to do the minimum necessary. He never took apart the judicial system, despite talking about it non-stop. He always seemed to prefer a more centrist leaning government than the full right government he has been talking about recently. He never beat, or even fought, terror, or the rockets from Gaza, the way he said he could in his books. Netanyahu has always been a big talked but in actions he kept things on the low down, doing a  lot of good work no doubt, but nothing like what he has ever talked about doing.

This is why I am not surprised by the reports in the news of excerpts from Jared Kushner's book about to be published. 

Reportedly, Kushner describes how Netanyahu was very blasé on moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem. He was almost even against it, thinking it would be bad and dangerous. He was not enthusiastic about it, and President Donald Trump reconsidered doing. Obviously it went through in the end, but according to the report Netanyahu was very hesitant (Netanyahu denies it).

Another excerpt is that Trump got angry at Netanyahu regarding the Abraham Accords. Trump believes that Netanyahu exploited the Accords for his election purposes rather than for the good of the deal itself and in his speech at the event it was more of an election speech and did not call for the Palestinians to come to an arrangement, as had been discussed. Because of that Trump was angry at Netanyahu and supposedly considered throwing his support for Benny Gantz in the March 2020 elections.

Now, Trump is a known liar and a vengeful person. Had he said that, I would shrug it off thinking maybe it happened, maybe it didn't, maybe that's how he perceived it. Jared Kushner is not Trump. If Kushner says it, I think it has more legitimacy.

This is not bad, not good, not anything. There is not anything wrong with hesitating at such a monumental move and considering the consequences. Just the opposite. I am just showing that it is not surprising at all, considering Netanyahu's actions throughout his political career rather than his bluster and talk. He was always hesitant and more of a status quo guy than a big bold move guy, despite all his talk. If you think that is going to change now, if you are impressed by all his big talk now about what he is going to do when he comes to power, whether it is the full right government (not likely to happen) or the dismantling of the judicial system or the economy or fighting terror or whatever else he is promising, take a breath and relax. You will be sorely disappointed.

------------------------------------------------------
Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel

------------------------------------------------------