Washington (CNN) -- With 30-plus governments since independence (average length less than two years), Israeli politics rarely surprises. But Monday's agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz did precisely that. In a pre-emptive strike -- against his critics, a cynical Israeli press, and, last but not least, an American administration that keeps hoping he's a short-timer -- Netanyahu bought himself another 16 months of challenge-free politics, co-opted his main opponent for the price of a deputy premiership, and broadened and legitimized his government for the turbulent period ahead. While Mofaz looks unprincipled (two weeks ago he said he'd never join a Netanyahu-led coalition), Bibi Netanyahu looks like a veritable statesman and political genius who, for the sake of the country's unity and stability, did the right thing. With U.S. President Barack Obama facing an uncertain political future, Netanyahu has secured his -- at least over the short term.
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Benjamin Netanyahu expanded his coalition with addition of Kadima party
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Aaron David Miller says the move strengthens Netanyahu's hand politically
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He say it likely signals Israel will not attack Iran's nuclear facilities for now
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Miller: The government may talk more about peace but a deal isn't likely
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Bibi Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu
That's what @placeholder would like to make the world believe.
Iran
But Netanyahu's decision-making on striking @placeholder has always been shaped by three factors; the unity government changes none of them.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Bibi Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu
@placeholder believes the mullahs want the capacity to produce a nuclear weapon and ultimately to possess the weapon itself.
Israeli
Israeli
Israel
@placeholder would like to avoid a unilateral strike and make Iran America's problem.
American
U.S.
Israel would like to avoid a unilateral strike and make Iran @placeholder's problem.
Barack Obama
And @placeholder has made it as clear as any American president can that Israel acting now, with negotiations ongoing, is a bad idea.
American
U.S.
Clearly, Obama doesn't want an Israeli strike or an @placeholder strike before the elections and probably not this year.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Bibi Netanyahu
Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu
@placeholder thinks of himself in historic and potentially transformative terms -- leading Israel at a moment of great challenge, particularly freeing the Israelis from the shadow of the Iranian bomb.