And for a some-time religious Zionist, Lieberman – although ‘right-wing’ is far too secular with little attachment to Zion or a divided Jerusalem for me. Its all just ‘land’ to him and he is no friend to the religious, and hence, ultimately part of the problem.

Look, it’s easy for us living in North America to vote. We have very limited choices but with the Israeli system of representation based on population one needs to vote not just one’s principles but strategically as well. Ultimately, if Kadima prevails, it is entirely an issue of Bibi’s own making. This election was his to lose. He was so concerned to create this ‘national centrist coalition’ (in effect, he was fighting the last election ran than fighting the current one) he summarily dumped Feiglin pushed the religious/settler Ludniks away as irrelevant claiming they would cost Likud mandates, when in effect, he would have gained from the other smaller parties for everything he lost and then some. He would have also shown the Likud something valuable, that unlike Sharon, he would not run roughshod over the membership wishes – it would also be a sign he had matured and grown as a leader and learned from his previous hubris. Instead, we were treated to the same old Bibi.

And I agree with you, a too strong showing for Bibi would allow him to create the broad national coalition he discussed early in the campaign…Likud lefties, Kadmina crooks and Labor hacks. Bibi would owe nothing to the religious and could expect no quarter.

By the way, I love the new picture of the Kotel at your sight.

Remember, Bibi will not be dictated to by religious nationals for any reason except one: If he fears he will lose his coalition because a strong nationalist party could withdraw in protest and force him to assemble a new government.

Bibi wants power, and if a strong rightwing is in place he will be forced to take orders. If the NU is meekly represented, Bibi will do as he pleases and march firmly to the left.