From the first reports that Benjamin Netanyahu's objective was to form a government with his political enemies through last night's decision by the Labor Party to join his government, some friends of One Jerusalem have voiced their concerns about the emerging Netanyahu government.

Is Netanyahu turning his back on the Right wing voters who voted for Likud and the other Right wing parties?

Today, Netanyahu praised his coalition partners for setting aside many of their political aspirations and for making compromises so they would be part of a broad coalition government that will guide the State of Israel during these perilous times.

By winning over Labor, Netanyahu has made it difficult for his government to be described as far Right wing. This will come in handy as he fights Israel's battles on the international stage.

In concluding his negotiations with a small Right wing party he agreed to place its leader in the position of caring for the Jewish refugees from Gaza who have been neglected by the Olmert and Sharon governments.

While Netanyahu could have formed a narrow Right wing government he chose to broaden the coalition so that it will be more stable (in a narrow government a single party could bring the government down) and he will have the structure he needs to take on the enormous challenges facing the State of Israel.

Netanyahu has told One Jerusalem that his priorities are dealing with (stopping) Iran from destroying the State of Israel, guiding Israel through the international economic downturn, protecting a united Jerusalem, and bringing peace to the region. In his estimation these challenges can not be adequately addressed with a narrow ideological coalition. Israel's history suggests he is right.

Netanyahu feels that Israel must show the world that as a united nation they stand behind this new government. In the negotiations with the other parties Netanyahu has made it clear he will set the policies on Iran, security, the economy,and Jerusalem. They are invited to contribute in support of his policies. His refusal to compromise on these points has been the reason why Tzipi Livini has (so far) refused to join the coalition.

At the end of the day, only time will tell what kind of government Netanyahu puts in place, but so far he has turned heads with his dogged (and seemingly successful) determination to bring in past adversaries on his terms.

Daniel Pipes voices his concerns.

What do you think?