(New York Times) David M. Halbfinger - Israelis prize stability, as well as the military and economic security that Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered. Though in many ways they have never been safer, they remain afraid - especially of Iran and its influence over their neighbors, against which Netanyahu has relentlessly crusaded. They credit Netanyahu, whose strategic vision values power and fortitude above all, with piloting Israel to unprecedented diplomatic heights. And they are loath to let anyone less experienced take the controls. Israelis have grown accustomed to Netanyahu's assessments of the country's condition: 10 years of uninterrupted economic growth, its best-ever credit rating, and diplomatic openings and new trading partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America. "Let's be honest with ourselves," said Michael B. Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington. "Our economy is excellent, our foreign relations were never better, and we're secure." Netanyahu proved once again that his talents, stamina and willingness to do what it takes to win are all unmatched in Israeli politics. This summer he will surpass David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding leader, as its longest-serving prime minister.
2019-04-11 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive