Bibi Up in the Air

“El Al 1 had taken off from Vnukovo en route to Tel Aviv and the flight attendant was coming over to give him a hot towelette. Like he needed anything hot right now … The meeting with Putin had left him hot and bothered.

“Responsibly” was what Putin had said to him. Just a promise that the Russian military in Syria will “act responsibly” in any encounter with the Israelis was all he got from Putin. How about not act at all? Not be there would be even better. Israel will no longer be able to defend itself properly, to attack any Iran-propulsed Hezbollah sighted anywhere in Syria for fear of wrinkling the uniforms of the Russian military that happened to be nearby!

Ehud Eiran was right in part, “It complicates reality. It potentially limits Israel’s freedom of action. The fascinating question is whether it will constrain Israel or not. Israel has been looking at Lebanon and Syria as areas where it could fly freely.” “But of course it will constrain us,” mused Bibi.

His closest advisor whispered something. Why whisper? Who would overhear?

“What did you say, Sarah?” he asked her.

“I said, maybe we shouldn’t have talked to Putin first.” He loved it when she said “we” instead of “you.” It made him feel they were really one.

“What do you mean, Sarah?”

“I mean, wouldn’t it have been better to give a speech to the Duma first, and let them put pressure on him? Like in Washington, you know. They would have given you standing ovations.”

“No, Sarah. The Duma is nothing like the US Congress. It’s stuffed full of anti-semites, although they keep talking a good game about being “anti-fascism.”

“So, what now, Bibi? Can’t we continue to defend ourselves in Syria irrespective of possible, what do you call it, collateral damage?”

“It is complicated, Sarah. The US may not have our back if we do. Didn’t you hear that mealy mouth Kerry talk about “cooperating” with Russia in fighting Daesh? They don’t mean it but it goes to show they want no confrontation with the Bear. Even the Chinese have piped up, “ready to help if Assad asks.” They are ganging up on us, Jew haters of the world uniting.”

“We’ve been through worse, Bibi. I know you’ll find a way,” she said with passionate assurance, and a warm feeling spread through him, even though as she spoke she caressed his head and mussed his combover, which he hated.

She was right, as always. He had prevailed over a lot of obstacles and had survived. Having survived was what his father had always held against him — not his favorite.
Frankly, Dad, I don’t give a damn. I will always have Sarah.

The presidential plane took a dive, like suddenly hitting a vacuum, one of those drops when the plane hits a hot front. Nothing to worry about.