Liberman Signals No Arab Parties in Future Coalition

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has signaled a new political direction within the opposition bloc aiming to unseat Prime Minister Netanyahu. By voting with right-wing parties to disqualify the Arab Ra'am party from elections, Liberman sent a clear message to his potential partners, including Benny Gantz's National Unity party, that a minority government supported by Ra'am is not an option.

This move by Liberman, who suspects Gantz might form a minority government with Ra'am's backing, aims to redefine the boundaries of the "change bloc." He explicitly stated that Arab Knesset members will not be considered partners. Liberman's alignment with the right on disqualifying Ra'am, a party that was part of the previous Bennett-Lapid coalition government, significantly limits the maneuverability of the opposition bloc.

The Central Elections Committee on September 23 voted to disqualify Balad party leader Sami Abu Shehadeh, Knesset member Ofer Cassif of Hadash, the United Arab List, and Ra'am. These decisions are expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, which is anticipated to overturn the disqualifications for Cassif, the United List, and Ra'am.

Liberman's strategy also seeks to position Yisrael Beiteinu as a staunchly right-wing party, outflanking not only his opposition partners but also the Likud party. He previously stated that any future Zionist government must prioritize the elimination of Hamas, and parties opposing this have no place in the Knesset. Liberman is linking Ra'am with more radical Arab parties like Balad and Hadash.

Liberman's actions have caused discomfort within the change bloc. Some members believe Ra'am should not be grouped with other Arab lists, as it could still offer external support to a future government. Notably, Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic party, openly opposed the disqualification of Arab parties, vowing to defend the right of Arab citizens to participate in governance. However, Golan supported the personal disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh, stating that neither Abu Shehadeh nor Itamar Ben-Gvir should be allowed in the Knesset.