Lieberman Seeks Prime Ministry in Dramatic Pre-Election Gambit

With three weeks until the elections, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly formulating a dramatic political strategy aimed at positioning himself as the next prime minister. This move is designed to bypass opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot and place Lieberman first in a potential rotation for leadership.

Lieberman is said to believe he possesses the most necessary experience among opposition candidates, citing his past roles as Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Finance. He reportedly argues that Eisenkot lacks sufficient managerial and political experience, having never held a ministerial position.

According to a report by Matti Tuchfeld on Channel 14, Lieberman's emerging strategy involves forming a new right-wing bloc with Naftali Bennett and General Ofer Winter if Benjamin Netanyahu fails to secure 61 seats. While Bennett is reportedly aware of the plan, Winter is believed to be unaware at this stage.

The plan also includes reaching out to Likud's backbenchers and attempting to bring Bezalel Smotrich into a coalition led by Lieberman. Lieberman apparently believes Smotrich would join a right-wing government under his leadership, something he feels would not be acceptable to right-wing voters if Eisenkot or Bennett were at the helm.

By aiming for the premiership, Lieberman seeks to form a coalition without relying on Arab parties or the "Democrats," thereby upholding his campaign promises. The article also briefly mentions Michael Ben-Ari revealing his voting intentions.