Lieberman Rules Out Minority Government, Arab or Haredi Partners

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced he will not support the formation of a minority government, even for a transitional period. He also stated he would only partner with the Likud party if Benjamin Netanyahu is not its leader. Lieberman outlined conditions for the next government, reiterating his rejection of both Haredi and Arab parties as coalition partners.

"Our position is sharp and clear: We will establish a coalition composed solely of Zionist parties. No Ra'am, no Joint List, no Shas, and no United Torah Judaism," Lieberman wrote. Regarding the Likud, he emphasized that the identity of its leader is a decisive condition: "Likud without Netanyahu can be a significant partner. With Netanyahu, even if the world turns upside down, we will not sit with them under any circumstances."

Lieberman explicitly ruled out forming a government without a clear coalition majority, stating, "We will not support any minority government, not even a minority government for a transitional period." He expressed belief that his bloc would achieve a "solid majority in the upcoming elections, despite the polls." He also suggested that Knesset members from the Likud might join a Zionist coalition to complete the required majority, though he did not name them or present any commitments from them.

Lieberman's declaration imposes limitations on potential successors to Netanyahu. Any government he joins would need a majority excluding Arab and Haredi parties and would not be led by Netanyahu. This statement also comes amid Gadi Eisenkot's presentation of his government plans and accusations by Netanyahu and the Likud that Eisenkot would form a government with the support of Arab parties.

Politically, Lieberman's announcement may serve to reassure right-wing voters concerned about reliance on Arab parties and to signal that even a leader of a large change bloc party cannot assume Yisrael Beiteinu's support for any proposed government.