Lieberman Rejects Minority Government, Eisenkot Seeks "Zionist Majority"

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has firmly closed the door on the possibility of forming a minority government, even for a transitional period. Speaking at an event hosted by the Israel Democracy Institute and via a simultaneous social media post, Lieberman stated that his party would not support any minority government and emphasized the need for a "Zionist majority government, period." He further clarified that Yisrael Beiteinu would not sit in a coalition with Arab parties or ultra-Orthodox parties, and would only consider the Likud party as a partner if Benjamin Netanyahu is not its leader. Lieberman expressed confidence in achieving a solid majority in the upcoming elections, despite current polls, and suggested that some Likud members might join a Zionist coalition.

This stance directly contrasts with Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, who had previously indicated a willingness to form a minority government with as few as 58 seats if the bloc opposing Netanyahu failed to secure 60 mandates after the elections. Eisenkot suggested such a government would aim to expand its support immediately with "state-level Zionist voices."

At the same event, Eisenkot evaded direct questions about government formation but stressed the importance of preventing one bloc from defeating another. He called for a "state-level Zionist-Israeli majority" to lead the country, criticizing leaders like Aryeh Deri for perceived failures, such as opposing a conscription law while being proud of draft-dodging grandchildren.

The Likud party responded to Lieberman's remarks by accusing him of hypocrisy, recalling his past coalition with Mansour Abbas and significant funding to Islamic charities that supported Hamas. They claimed Lieberman "speaks right and acts left" and asserted that neither Eisenkot nor Lieberman could form a government without Yair Golan and Arab parties.

Benny Gantz, chairman of Blue and White, proposed an alternative, suggesting that either Lieberman was lying about forming a minority government with Arab parties or that the only path forward was a "Zionist unity government," offering his support for such a move to "save Israel."

Conversely, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, reiterated his refusal to sit with Netanyahu or the Likud, stating that the only legitimate coalition would be from the "change bloc." He dismissed any "unity" deal that would save Netanyahu's rule, holding the Likud responsible for the "legal overhaul," widespread draft evasion, opposition to a state inquiry into the October 7th massacre, and corruption. Golan insisted that "true unity is the unity of the change bloc," warning against any other arrangement as an immediate danger to Israel's future.