199 8 AURO R /-•-•‘ more than a set of platitudes midway between the positions of Labor and Likud. But beyond the polished phrases that they and their professional advisers are certain to come up with, one message will prevail: Netanyahu is not fit to be prime minister. This was Mordechai's refrain during the past week. For his part, Shahak, when he recently announced his entry into pol- itics, had a slightly different version, calling Netanyahu a "danger to the nation." This message can also be expected to be delivered by another former Netanyahu minister, Ze'ev "Benny" Begin, head of the new Herut Party now forming on the far right of the political spectrum. Begin's hard-line views may not have a huge backing among traditional Likud backers. But his personal integrity is — and his campaign will add firepower to the attacks that Mordechai and his col- leagues plan to launch on the prime minister from the center. Netanyahu acted with decisiveness when he announced live on television Saturday night that he was firing Mordechai after it became clear that the defense minister had decided to defect to the centrists. Despite Netanyahu's formidable opposition, political observers repeat- edly caution, Netanyahu should not be counted out too quickly. The two-round election system may well help Netanyahu beat back the multiparty attack on his personali- ty and record. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote and a runoff elec- tion is held, Netanyahu would undoubtedly prefer a showdown with Labor leader Ehud Barak than face off against the man who, more than any other Likud politician, helped him win power in 1996. Mordechai, then recently retired from the army, was enormously popular among the Likud rank-and-file and among the broader electorate. Given the crowded field in the cen- ter and the right, Barak could come in ahead of Mordechai in the first round of voting on May 17. But in a head- on fight with Netanyahu in a June runoff, Barak could see his earlier win go up in flames — even if Mordechai called on his supporters to vote for Barak. This scenario, certainly a bleak one for the anti-Netanyahu forces, seems at this point in the campaign to be Netanyahu's most hopeful one. II WAS $36,825 *39 mo. lease based on approved credit. $2100 due at delivery includes $275 sec. dep. Plus tax, title, plate. *Plus tax, title, plates. GILOSSMEIN OLDSMOBILE On Telegraph at the TeI-12 Mall, Southfield Tues. Open Mon & Thurs • 9-9 Sat • Wed. Fri • 9-6 10 - 4 248-354-3300 14300454•555V GLEISSMEINI SAAB On Telegraph at the Tel-12 Mall, Southfield Open Mon & Thurs • 9-9 Sat • 10-41 Tues. Wed. Frt • 9-6 248-354-3300 400•354 55581 1999 SPORTAGE 4 Featuring Americas Best Warra • 5yr/60,000 Bumper to Bumper eve.,- , • • 1 0yr/1 00,0 power train • 5yr/ unlimited miles roadside Automatic, air conditioning, driver's knee airbag, power everything! *Plus tax, title, plate and destination. All rebates to dealer. G LE On Telegraph at the Tel-12 Mall, Southfield peen Tues , OW d Fri T hurs • 9 Sat • 10-4 6 $9,934 "•,ky wra og$8.396 * k *Plus tax, title, plates, destination. All rebates to dealer. GLEISSMOIN 1411 2484544300 1 - 800-354 -5558} On Telegrapn at t e TeI-12 Mall, Southfield 248..3544300 1 800.354•555EY Tues. Open Wed, Fri • 9-6 Mon Thurs Sat 9-9 • 10-4 el The Holidays May Be Over, But We're Still Celebrating At and gallery EVER9 eryday 20% off everyday 20% off everyday 20% off everyday 20% off everyday . A Large Selection On Sale Now! Our Store Is Still Filled With Great Gifts For You and Your Friends! LOCATED IN THE ORCHARD MALL 6385 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD AT MAPLE WEST BLOOMFIELD 48322 248.855.4488 MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 5:30 PM THURSDAY 10AM-8PM and gallery Your neighborhood store or twenty years! Items Under S25 Excluded. Special orders, previous sales and discounted items are not included. 1/2S 199! Detroit Jewish News 217