The path to a nuclear-free Middle East
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should understand that he cannot forge a unified front with Saudi Arabia against the Iran-led Shiite axis while thwarting Saudi plans for commercial nuclear energy.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has several good reasons to want early elections held in June. Much has been written about his desire to face a test of public confidence before facing a criminal trial, if Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit decides to indict him on bribery charges.
Speculation has been rife that he plans to turn the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence on April 19 into the high point of an election campaign. His failed attempts to hijack the Independence Day opening ceremony on Mount Herzl, traditionally hosted by the Knesset Speaker, also figured in assessments. Preferring June for elections has additional significance of no less importance to Netanyahu: In mid-May, US President Donald Trump is due to decide on whether to stick with the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the five world powers.
