Israeli MK Rules Out Coalition With Haredi, Arab Parties

Member of Knesset Vladimir Beliak expressed strong conviction that the "change bloc" will secure over 61 mandates in the upcoming elections, despite a perceived gap between grassroots sentiment and current polls. In an interview with 103fm, Beliak explicitly stated that his party would not sit with the Haredi parties, citing their actions during the previous term and their opposition to gender segregation and the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men. He also ruled out any possibility of forming a government that relies on the support of Arab parties, specifically mentioning the Joint List and Ra'am. Beliak described Ra'am as a non-liberal party and pointed to their past votes in favor of gender segregation as reasons for his opposition. He further elaborated on his stance regarding the Haredi parties, stating that after their conduct in the last term, they "must sit in the opposition and conduct soul-searching." Beliak also asserted that his bloc would not form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite acknowledging a discrepancy between his party's internal feelings and the poll results, Beliak remains optimistic, claiming their movement has gained significant momentum and support in recent weeks, with a substantial increase in mandates reflected in most recent polls. He believes the discourse online indicates a shift in public opinion favoring his bloc.