Lieberman's Plan to Lead Government Relies on Right-Wing Bloc

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, is reportedly formulating a strategy to secure the premiership following the upcoming elections. The plan involves establishing a new right-wing bloc that would include former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and General Ofer Winter, aiming to position Lieberman as the leading candidate for prime minister, potentially in a rotation agreement with Gadi Eisenkot.

Lieberman has expressed his belief that he is the most suitable opposition candidate for prime minister, criticizing Eisenkot for lacking experience in state management, economics, and politics. The proposed strategy centers on creating a right-wing alternative within the opposition, as Lieberman believes this approach would be more effective in attracting Bezalel Smotrich and elements of the Likud party than a bloc led by Eisenkot.

Key to Lieberman's plan is an attempt to draw Knesset members from the Likud party, particularly those in the back benches, to form a coalition without relying on Arab parties. Lieberman is said to believe that some Likud MKs would prefer a right-wing government led by him over one dependent on Arab factions or facing opposition.

Furthermore, Lieberman intends to persuade Bezalel Smotrich to join a government headed by him. His argument to Smotrich would be that a government led by Lieberman himself constitutes a true right-wing government. He believes this would be more palatable to Smotrich's voters than a rotation with Eisenkot, whom he characterizes as left-wing, or with Bennett, who faces significant opposition from the right-wing camp.

Lieberman plans to emphasize his experience in senior ministerial roles, including Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Finance. He would also highlight his campaign promise not to sit with left-wing parties or Arab factions, suggesting that becoming prime minister first in a rotation is the only way for him to avoid breaking his pledge and losing his right-wing base.