The Opposition May Choose A New Leader. It’s So Cute.

By Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu

The Labor Party, not to mention the Zionist Union faction and the Opposition in general, is in the throes of debate over whether Labor chief Buji Herzog should remain the leader of the Opposition – or even of his own party. It’s just so cute.

I don’t know what path they will choose in the end – that’s up to them, of course – but I don’t think I can stop myself from smiling at how adorable the whole thing is. Buji wanted to play with the big boys, and he did it! He showed those doubters that he, too, could almost exercise real governmental power, just like Livni, Barak, and others. Totes adorbs is what it was.

Over the course of more than a year, the various factions of the Opposition had ample opportunity to work to topple my government, the government with the narrowest majority in Knesset history. The explorations and negotiations surrounding the possibility of Labor joining the Coalition were fun, even challenging. Buji tried so hard. He played his heart out. He should be very proud of himself.

But Buji isn’t alone in the Opposition, and others deserve an A for effort. Without Shelly Yechimovich and her supporters openly rebelling against a unity government, no one would know just how hard Buji worked. I’m excited to watch Shelly and her clique try to oust Buji and rule the roost. It will take me back to middle school. I’m old enough now that such retrospection arouses warmth, not awkwardness, and the prospect of watching the Labor Party over the next few months, at least, makes me want to pinch the cheeks of every single participant.

Erel Margalit is a pugnacious one, the kind of kid you give a high five for showing gumption, then share a knowing, affectionate laugh with other grown-ups. With Stav Shaffir at his side, he has serious potential to rule his corner of the playground for the rest of recess.

Then there’s Tzipi. Oh, Tzipi, there, there. Are you thinking of declaring Buji isn’t your friend anymore? I bet within a week you’ll be promising to be Yair Lapid’s best friend, or maybe Bogie’s. These things happen, and not everybody always wants to be everybody else’s friend all the time. It’s perfectly OK to feel scared that no one will want you after you hopped from party to party to party in search of the spotlight.

They are SO cute. I can’t get enough of them.