Lieberman Sets Terms for Government, Eyes Likud Defectors
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman has set conditions for forming a government, refusing to join one led by Benjamin Netanyahu and excluding Haredi and Arab parties. Lieberman also suggested that Likud members of Knesset might defect to a coalition opposing Netanyahu. The announcement follows public disputes with Benny Gantz and criticism from Prime Minister Netanyahu, who accused Lieberman of seeking alliances with Arab parties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman will not join a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Lieberman's party will not cooperate with Haredi or Arab parties.
- Lieberman claims to know Likud members willing to join a coalition without Netanyahu.
- The announcement follows public disputes between Lieberman and Benny Gantz.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Lieberman of seeking alliances with Arab parties.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced a series of conditions for forming the next government, less than two weeks before the Knesset elections. Lieberman stated that his party will not sit in a government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, nor will it cooperate with Haredi or Arab parties. He also ruled out supporting a minority government, even for a transitional period.
In parallel, Lieberman suggested a scenario where members of Knesset from the Likud party might join a coalition opposing Netanyahu. He claimed to personally know several Likud lawmakers who would be willing to join a "Zionist coalition" without the current Prime Minister, suggesting they feel Netanyahu has made them "subcontractors" for figures like Goldknopf and Der'i.
Lieberman's declaration comes amid public exchanges with Benny Gantz, chairman of Blue and White, concerning the possibility of forming a government with the support of Arab parties. Gantz accused Lieberman of previously pushing for a government reliant on the Joint List in 2020. Lieberman denied this, retorting that he is trying to save the country while Gantz is trying to save Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also weighed in, accusing Lieberman of wanting to form a government with the Joint List in 2020 and claiming he would do so again. Netanyahu warned that Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot would establish a Palestinian state and urged a vote for Likud to prevent a "left-wing government with Arab parties."
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