Minister Moshe Kahlon Quits Politics? No. Not Really.

 ערב שבת קודש פר' נח תשע"ג 

YNET: Minister Kahlon Quits Politics 
Communications and social affairs minister announces he will not contend in Likud primaries; reason unclear 

Attila Somfalvi, October 14, 2012

Three months before the elections for the 19th Knesset, Communications and Social Affairs Minister Moshe Kahlon has announced that he is taking a break from politics, and therefore will not contend in the upcoming Likud primaries.

It was not immediately clear what led to Kahlon's decision. As late as Saturday night Kahlon sounded determined to win the top spot on the Likud ticket, and was involved alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netnyahu and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz in gearing towards Wednesday's Likud Central Committee meeting.

He made his announcement in a press conference but refused to take questions from reporters.

According to several sources, the minister told Likud activists that he is taking a two-year hiatus from public life, and that his decision is not connected to any government roles promised by Netanyahu.

Kahlon made the decision over two weeks ago and was set to announce it after Wednesday's meeting. Leaked reports about his possible retirement scrapped that plan.

Kahlon was first elected for the 16th Knesset, and was ranked first on the Likud list in the elections for the 17th Knesset. He was sixth on the list in the last elections. (cont.)

Translation? Something is definitely going on behind the scenes.

This MK and government minister has consistently placed very high on the Likud list, pretty much guaranteeing him a seat in K'nesseth.

So, why is he leaving public life?

Prime Minister Netanyahu attempted to convince Kahlon to stay in politics.

Then Netanyahu said he understood why Kahlon wanted a break.

Then Kahlon took a the spotlight at the Likud Convention, where "thousands of supporters attend party event, urge outgoing minister to stay in politics."

Somewhere in there, the Likud Party launched a Kahlon SMS Campaign.

Kahlon said that he didn't understand the fuss.

...and  neither do I.


Is he a threat to Netanyahu?  Or does Netanyahu need him desperately?

Please just tell me that this whole Kahlon chapter isn't just some ploy to keep us even remotely interested in the elections.

If that turns out to be the case, then I would be VERY disappointed.

Hmm...  Maybe there is something to the U. S. Elections after all:

More entertainment value.

Stay tuned.  Hopefully more will be revealed.