Yossi Verter

While the attorney general ponders whether to convict Avigdor Lieberman, the foreign minister may be mulling over ways to bring about early elections and topple Netanyahu.

For the past year, especially in the last few months, Netanyahu has been convinced that Lieberman is poised to resign, bring down his government and steal away his right-wing voters; the prime minister labors daily under that shadow.

Prices are rising and public furor over the government's economic policies is growing, but will Rabin Square turn into Tahrir Square? It's more likely that the prime minister will cave in, and let his finance minister take the rap.

But former party chairman could become leader of National Left movement.

The toppling of the regime in Egypt does not bode well for Israel's moderate camp. So why is Avigdor Lieberman panicking?

In the brief period between the comptroller's report and the attorney general's decision, the political-military establishment made every mistake possible in the Gallant affair.

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni feels vindicated by the leaks reported by Al Jazeera concerning her negotiations as foreign minister with the Palestinians. Likud sees things differently.

Barak's breakaway caught the Labor Party by surprise, left Netanyahu gloating, Kadima indignant and Peres worried - and has apparently made people hate the defense minister both as a person and a politician.

The split left Labor with eight MKs, but if led by Shelly Yachimovich, the party would win 10 seats in the next election, poll shows.

Netanyahu and Barak, the two old buddies from the army's Sayeret Matkal unit, have proven again that they know how to concoct a political deal.

The party that ostensibly represents peace and tolerance is sitting in a government with an ultra-nationalist agenda. Its members say they're about to break loose - and claim they mean it this time.

President Shimon Peres must decide if he's ready to do what he does best - present his vision of the future in order to fend off disaster.

That's Lieberman: Like a master chef he manipulates the height of the diplomatic and coalition flames; Netanyahu may be prime minister, but he is no longer in charge.

Any points Netanyahu garnered with his handling of Carmel fire have been lost due to his policy on income guarantees for Haredim, which was opposed by a trio of Likud ministers.

Prisoners are being released early, there's chaos in courtrooms and the judicial system is on the verge of collapse, but no one seems to care that the prosecutors' strike is entering its sixth week - including the justice minister and prime minister

Netanyahu, who calls both Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu his 'natural allies', will likely pay the cost in full for the breakdown of the coalition.

The one person Netanyahu forgot to thank for his role in putting out the flames was the only member of his government who really deserved a pat on the back, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch.

Most Israelis do not want a state commission of inquiry set up to probe the Carmel fire, but would rather government focus on quickly implementing all improvements recommended for fire services in numerous previous reports.

Barak and Lieberman received barely any mention in the U.S. State Department documents. Netanyahu, however, was a frequent star - and that may not be a good thing.

The Yesha Council is loudly supporting MKs who toe their line, and slamming those who don't - like Netanyahu. But what happens if they weaken him too much?

With the U.S. getting antsy, the settlers ratcheting up the pressure a, the Prime Minister clearly has his work cut out for him.

In every generation new foils rise up against Likud prime ministers to trap, restrain and constrain them.

With Tzachi Hanegbi out, and the next election looming, Tzipi Livni is even less likely to consider bringing Kadima into the government now

MK Tzachi Hanegbi, charged with moral turpitude, will have to leave the Knesset where he has served for 22 years, during which he was transformed from an impudent troublemaker into an experienced politician well-respected across the board.