Liberman Declares Arab Parties Off-Limits for Coalition Talks

Internal political rifts within the "Change Bloc" have surfaced as the Central Elections Committee deliberates on disqualifying Arab lists and candidates from participating in upcoming elections. Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu and a member of the bloc, has taken a firm stance, sending a message to his bloc partners stating that Arab lawmakers are "not part of the calculations" for any future government. This move comes amid speculation that Benny Gantz might form a government, potentially a minority one, with support from the United Arab List or abstentions from the Arab party, which also includes MK Yoav Segalovich.

Liberman's alignment with right-wing parties in their efforts to disqualify the United Arab List creates a new political reality within the Change Bloc, potentially hindering future cooperation. The Central Elections Committee has already moved to disqualify figures like Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance, and MK Ofer Cassif, along with the Joint List and the United Arab List. These decisions are expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court, which is anticipated to overturn the disqualifications for Cassif, the Joint List, and the United Arab List.

Liberman has endorsed all disqualification decisions, including that of a party that was part of the "Change Government" coalition, in which Yisrael Beiteinu also participated. His strategy appears aimed at clearly delineating the Change Bloc's boundaries, excluding cooperation with the United Arab List and thus absolving himself of the need to avoid actions against Mansour Abbas's party. Furthermore, Liberman seeks to project his party as a distinct right-wing force, even a rival to the Likud party.

Liberman stated, "Any Zionist government that is formed after the elections must set the elimination of Hamas as a central goal in its security policy. Any party that opposes this has no place in the Israeli Knesset. Therefore, we will vote in favor of disqualifying the Joint List, the United Arab List, Ofer Cassif, and Sami Abu Shehadeh." This escalates his position, placing the United Arab List in the same category as the Joint List, which comprises parties with diverse stances, including the National Democratic Alliance and the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality.

Liberman's actions have caused discomfort within the Change Bloc. Some senior officials believe it was unwise to equate the United Arab List with other Arab parties, even if it doesn't join a future government. Consequently, no other bloc party leaders have joined the call to disqualify the United Arab List. However, Democratic Party leader Yair Golan has opposed the disqualification of Arab parties, stating, "We, the Democratic Party, will firmly defend the right of Arab citizens in Israel to vote, run for office, and participate in the country's leadership. Therefore, we will strongly oppose the blanket disqualification of the United Arab List and the Joint List. We will not dance to Netanyahu's tune, nor will we allow an entire public to be rendered illegitimate." Golan did, however, support the personal disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh due to "dangerous and inciting statements" made after the October 7th events, adding, "Our principle is simple: no concessions to Abu Shehadeh and no concessions to Ben-Gvir, and both must be disqualified."