Lieberman Hopes Vinter Passes Election Threshold; Amcha Israel Open to Eisenkot

With three weeks until the 26th Knesset elections, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, stated he hopes Ofer Vinter, leader of the newly formed Amcha Israel party, will pass the electoral threshold. Lieberman called Vinter a "political rookie" and expressed a desire for him to join the "serving bloc." However, Lieberman criticized the possibility of Vinter forming a coalition with Netanyahu and Der'i, labeling it an "anti-serving coalition" and asserting that those who emphasize national service cannot align with them. He urged Vinter to reconsider and commit to universal conscription.

In parallel, a senior figure within Amcha Israel, Eran Ben Ari, indicated that the party has not ruled out sitting in a government with Gadi Eisenkot. Ben Ari clarified that while Amcha Israel would recommend Netanyahu, they would not join a government if the issue of universal conscription, a central plank of their platform, is not addressed. He suggested other possibilities exist if their primary condition is unmet.

Amcha Israel responded to Lieberman's comments by stating Vinter would not serve in a government led by Lieberman. They criticized Lieberman's potential partners, such as Yair Golan and Gabi Lasky, and suggested Lieberman's party prefers to "shout from the stands" or form coalitions with figures like Golan and Abbas. Amcha Israel positioned itself as the solution for those seeking decisive action against the current "conception."

Amcha Israel, established about a month ago, had previously polled between 4-5 seats. However, a recent Channel 12 poll showed the party falling below the electoral threshold. This decline is attributed to a Likud campaign against Vinter and past controversial remarks by party candidate Yosef Haddad, who previously suggested a "final solution" of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.