When he was prime minister, Ariel Sharon used to pop into the Knesset cafeteria every so often, mainly in times of political crises or of major achievements. When he was in trouble, it was his way of showing that it was still business as usual and that he was in control of the situation. When he had a major success, he turned his time in the cafeteria into a show of strength to the journalists crowded around his table.
In his current term, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared only once in the cafeteria. This is the era of social networks, a medium he adapted to so well that he no longer needs direct contact with the press. But at midnight Dec. 11, he showed up in the cafeteria full of energy and surrounded by an entourage of security guards and at least five advisers.