Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusive to Vestnik Kavkaza
Israeli sociologists have registered the sharpest drop of Netanyahu’s rating for the whole period of his governance. His recent dedicated supporters are disappointed in him most of all. Of course, there is a series of reasons for such an impetuous drop of the Premier’s popularity. These include the drastic price growth on goods of prime necessity and his readiness to set free dozens of experienced terrorists who killed hundreds of peaceful citizens. Moreover, an important role in the weakening of Netanyahu’s positions was played by the recent statement of the vice-premier of Turkey Bulent Arinc on a delay in normalization of Israeli-Turkish relations.
Arinc stated that the talks with Israel were deadlocked not because of disagreements regarding compensation to victims on Marmara, but because of the wording which explained the compensation. While Israel thinks that it is only a goodwill gesture and mercy, Turkey demands recognition that these sums should be paid “for the crime committed by Israel” and doesn’t want any other wording.
The statement has caused indignation in Israeli citizens who are sure that the Israeli position is right; moreover, the position was confirmed by the UN international commission and the internal investigating commission. At the same time, many in Israel accuse Benjamin Netanyahu of yielding easily to USA pressure and apologising to Turkey, without developing further “game rules.” Israeli residents doubt that such a short-sighted leader should rule the country and make important decisions on its future – both in the Palestinian and Iranian directions. It seems the Israeli authorities have played the Turkish gambit against the Israeli prime minister. Gambit means “trip.”
