Liberman Bets Big on Becoming Prime Minister, Analysts Say

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, is reportedly orchestrating a plan to become Israel's next prime minister, according to a report by Yaara Zerad for Channel 14. Zerad suggests Liberman is leveraging past political maneuvers, including his role in the formation of Naftali Bennett's government in 2021, to position himself as a potential premier.

At a recent Yisrael Beiteinu party event, Liberman was presented by supporters and the event's host as the next prime minister. Zerad posits that Liberman aims to lead a bloc of 61 Knesset members, potentially including right-wing parties and even the Arab party Ra'am, which he previously partnered with. This strategy mirrors the path taken by Naftali Bennett, who became prime minister with a small number of mandates.

Zerad criticizes Liberman's political history, attributing the cycle of five elections since 2019 to his actions. She recalls how Liberman allegedly evaded joining Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition to instead join Bennett's government, which included the Muslim Brotherhood's Ra'am party. The article suggests Liberman believes he can achieve the premiership with a similar mandate size to Bennett's.

The report warns that right-wing parties pledging not to sit under Benny Gantz's National Unity party, specifically mentioning Gadi Eisenkot, may still be willing to serve under Liberman, as he is still perceived by some as a right-wing figure. Zerad concludes by urging vigilance against what she describes as Liberman's cynical ambition for the premiership, warning of a high price for the public if his plan succeeds.