Hey, so I've got a question. Now that the Likud leaders have settled on a strategy of forcing new elections while going out of their way to alienate popular politicians - when Livni does better than expected, who's going to get the blame:

Supporters of Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz have urged him to retain both that post and his Knesset seat, despite his announcement last Thursday that he plans to take a break from politics following his loss to Tzipi Livni in Kadima's leadership primary... Duan said that on Tuesday, Mofaz loyalists planned to gather for a Rosh Hashana toast and publicly ask him to resume work and announce that he intends to stay in his post as one of the top figures in Kadima. MK Otniel Schneller, who supported Mofaz in the primary, said he believed that after some contemplation, he would indeed choose to hold onto his political posts. A number of Likud MKs told the Post that Mofaz's only political options were in Kadima. The return of Mofaz would not be an asset to Likud, MK Yuli Edelstein told the Post. Party members had not forgiven him for the manner in which he left, Edelstein said.

That's an interesting coincidence, since the manner in which Mofaz left had to a lot to do with how Likud leaders forced new elections while going out their way to alienate popular politicians. Let me see if I'm following this: Netanyahu wants to make the next election about security, Mofaz is Livni's security fig leaf, so the smart move is to spitefully leave Mofaz with no options but to stay in Kadima? What was the conversation at Likud HQ? "Hey - this is a perfect opportunity to bring home a wayward Likudnik, solidify our image as the national security party, and - as a bonus - steal the news cycle. But you know what? Fuck that. Let's be embarrassingly spiteful instead."

"Because voters love that."

References:
* Netanyahu: Israel's citizens, not Kadima voters, must choose PM [Ha'aretz]
* Likud uninterested in Mofaz return [JPost]
* Analysis: Unspoken grievances of a humiliated man [JPost]
* Israeli Rightists Prepare to Cut Nose, Spite Face [MR]
* Livni stunned as Mofaz quits politics [JPost]

Previously:
* Israeli Politics Roundup - 2007-08-14 - Likud Primary Voters Set Out To Prove Themselves Slightly Less Stupid Than Labor Primary Voters
* Israeli Political Roundup - Likud Rebels Choose to End Own Political Careers
* Israeli Political Roundup - Likud Not So Bright Edition