Netanyahu had two looming deadlines to contend with as he cobbled together this awkward coalition.
Election rules demand that he form a government by 16 March or another election must be held. Just as importantly, he needs to present the appearance of being on top of things when Obama visits next week. So like a squabbling couple who put their differences aside temporarily when the in-laws come for dinner, Netanyahu and his coalition partners have agreed to keep up appearances.
Can it last?
Three weeks maybe. Three months at the most.
He's got one coalition partner who wants to sit down with the Palestinians tomorrow, and another who thinks "never" might be a good time to begin peace negotiations.
About the only thing his partners agree on is ending the Haredim welfare state and conscription exemption. Good luck with that!
Luckily, as everybody knows, security trumps everything in Israel, and Netanyahu strategically keeps the levers of the state security apparatus in his own hands.
So look for an escalation of "existential threat" rhetoric coming from the PM in the weeks and months ahead.
Insecurity for the nation means job security for the Prime Minister.
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