Who will succeed Sharon?

[Ali]

There is nobody in Kadima who can match Sharon's vote-pulling power (maybe Peres, but that would split the Labour vote) and if Likud retain power, it'll be Netanyahu calling for all sorts of ugliness once again.

[Thundercracker]

for now Ehud Olmert is the Prime Minister, at least until the election in march 28th.
Kadima's candidate hasn't been chosen yet.

[Ali]

at least until the election in march 28th.
And then?

Kadima's candidate hasn't been chosen yet.Is there anyone in Kadima who can beat Netanyahu? They've a better chance of moving to Labour and fighting Likud together, don't they?

This is a fucking importnat election coming up. Let's hope that the People of Israel make the right chioce.

[sam i am]

And then?

Is there anyone in Kadima who can beat Netanyahu? They've a better chance of moving to Labour and fighting Likud together, don't they?

This is a fucking importnat election coming up. Let's hope that the People of Israel make the right chioce.

I'm feeling pretty confident it'll be either Peres or Netanyahu.

Seems like the Israelis (and the Palestinians, for that matter) like to have someone in charge they're familiar with over a new face.

My money's on Netanyahu, but he'll be constrained by the massive defections from Likud to Kadima. My guess is Kadima will fold and the more Liberal wing will return to Labor while the more Conservative wing will return to Likud.

Likud still has a lot of good will for economic development and the end of the Intifada. Also, the party more represents the Gaza pullout and the wall around the West Bank.

The next round of Palestinian elections should be interesting as well.

[Lex Diamonds]

I know what you mean, Sharon's popularity has pretty much overtaken Ozzy's now.

[Lihi]

Well, according to recent survays, Kadima with Ulmert at the top wins about 40%, and with Peres it's something like 43%. Though those results change every day, it's seems that Peres still has his power with the Israeli public. I wouldn't wanna see him as a prime-minister though, as I find him a bit too weak at times. I believe that Ulmert is the best choice up to now, and carries a long political career. True, he does not hold a strong military past like Sharon (or Netanyahu), but I believe he is quite capable or runing things around here. So I hope, anyway. Netanyahu *can* be some kind of a threat, but I don't think he will make it that far (thank God)...

[Thundercracker]

dear god, ANYTHING but Netanyahu again.

[sam i am]

dear god, ANYTHING but Netanyahu again.

What's the real fear with him?

I know he's right of center, but how bad can he really be?

[Lihi]

Netanyahu is a fine example of a slick politician, he has his way with words and presentation. Actually his views are very Capitalistic and anti-social. I believe his main goal is to turn the Israeli economy to an American-inspired one, by supporting major Capitalism and destroying the workers organizations one by one. He is good for the rich people, but the middle-class and the poor are left behind, according to his agenda...

Also, Netanyahu is NOT a peace man at all. Sharon, with all his militant background and history in war, has done a true progress towards the center, which was a smart move and gained him and Israel a few positive feedbacks from the world. As I see it, Netanyahu will only destroy what Sharon started, but again, I don't believe he will actually win the elections.

[Ali]

Netanyahu is a fine example of a slick politician, he has his way with words and presentation. Actually his views are very Capitalistic and anti-social. I believe his main goal is to turn the Israeli economy to an American-inspired one, by supporting major Capitalism and destroying the workers organizations one by one. He is good for the rich people, but the middle-class and the poor are left behind, according to his agenda...

Also, Netanyahu is NOT a peace man at all. Sharon, with all his militant background and history in war, has done a true progress towards the center, which was a smart move and gained him and Israel a few positive feedbacks from the world. As I see it, Netanyahu will only destroy what Sharon started, but again, I don't believe he will actually win the elections.It all depends on the Israeli people. If they are afraid, they will vote for Netanyahu on the right.

Are Israelis afraid? Now is the time for courage... vote Labour! Surely people must be able to see the benefits of the process which Sharon has started?

[sam i am]

It all depends on the Israeli people. If they are afraid, they will vote for Netanyahu on the right.

Are Israelis afraid? Now is the time for courage... vote Labour! Surely people must be able to see the benefits of the process which Sharon has started?

It's possible, but not likely.

A LOT depends on Palestinian rection to Sharon's demise AND internal Israeli politicking (i.e, domestic affairs vs. "foreign" affairs).