In a few weeks time there will be a clash of titans in the caucus of the leading party in Israel's governing coalition as former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) tries to oust Arik Sharom from the party leadership (and stands a good chance of doing so). (Let me say in parenthases that I can't imagine myself voting for either of them.)

In the magazine section of the weekend newspaper that I read there was a long (and verbose) interview with Bibi. Two questions were relevant to this forum, I think. (Translation is mine.)

What would you do if one day one of your children were to come and say, "Dad, I'm gay"?

"OK. Everyone has a right to be what he is, to live his life."

What is your opinion concerning same-sex marriage, and possibly even adoption of children?

"These are social changes which are taking place in any case. Our society is one that is undergoing natural evolution. I don't think that it is possible to hurry it along, but also to a large extent it is not possible to halt it. This is a process that is happening all over the world. You can't say that Israel in 2002 is the same as Israel in 1952, just as I do not expect israel in 2020 to be the same as today. Attempts to stop natural evolution of society transmit incorrect messages..."

A few months ago I shared with Tim the transcript of a meeting between Arik Sharon and a delegation of leaders of Israel's gay community. It was full of smiles and sweet nothings and he refused to be drawn into any committment of any kind. When he was asked whether he would take part in Jerusalem's Pride Parade (last June) he replied emphatically "no". And he did not.

Personally, I think that such questions should be asked of any candidate for high office in any democracy.