E.J. Dionne: Benjamin Netanyahu staring down the barrel of defeat

[brooklynite]

The Independent:

The sprawling and crowded Mahane Yehuda market is known for its spices, salty fish, halva, and right-wing politics.

Some of the shops near downtown west Jerusalem are decorated with pictures of Menachem Begin, the fiery underground fighter – or terrorist, depending on your vantage point – the founding leader of the right-wing Likud party now headed by the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mahane Yehuda has traditionally been a no-go zone for dovish politicians and a place where rightists, including Mr Netanyahu, have gone to feel popular and to bask in a warm reception.

But in the run-up to Tuesday’s elections, it is clear that not all the raucous vendors there are in favour of Mr Netanyahu, despite his visit last week.

[FSogol]

1. Oh, please, please, please....

[question everything]

2. Hardly. Someone will have to form a coalition

thus, it will either be a narrow margin of right wing parties, or a unity of both Netanyahu and Herzog.

So hold your applause.

[Nitram]

3. But at least Bibi won't have a blank check...

...to abandon the two territory peace process.