Israeli "Change Bloc" Criticizes Lieberman's Stance on Minority Government

By עמית סגל

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Senior members of Israel's "Change Bloc" are criticizing Avigdor Lieberman for stating he will not support a minority government, claiming the move was uncoordinated and harms their coalition efforts. They believe Lieberman is trying to increase his leverage for post-election negotiations, potentially seeking the prime minister role. Lieberman has stated he will only form a coalition of "Zionist parties" and ruled out supporting any minority government, even for a transition period.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

"Change Bloc" leaders criticize Avigdor Lieberman's stance against minority governments as uncoordinated.
Critics believe Lieberman is trying to "raise his price" for coalition negotiations after the election.
Lieberman stated he will not support any minority government, even a transitional one.
He declared he would form a coalition of "Zionist parties" only, excluding certain Arab and Haredi factions.
Lieberman suggested the Likud party, without Netanyahu, could be a coalition partner.
The bloc claims Lieberman's statement contradicts prior coordination agreements.

Senior figures within Israel's "Change Bloc" have expressed strong criticism of Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman's recent statement that he would not support a minority government. The bloc's leaders claim Lieberman's declaration was not coordinated with them and is actively harming their efforts to form a government after the upcoming elections. They believe Lieberman is attempting to "raise his price" for potential coalition negotiations, aiming to secure the premiership for himself by leveraging his position.

Lieberman explicitly stated he would not back any minority government, even a transitional one, effectively closing the door on plans that might have relied on such a scenario, such as one potentially proposed by Gadi Eisenkot. In a post on X, Lieberman clarified his coalition preference: one composed solely of "Zionist parties," excluding Ra'am, the Joint List, Shas, and United Torah Judaism. He also suggested that the Likud party, without Benjamin Netanyahu, could be a significant partner.

The "Change Bloc" leaders argue that Lieberman's statement contradicts agreements made during a meeting at Yair Lapid's home, where they had resolved to coordinate their campaign strategies. They interpret his move as a tactic to gain leverage post-election, potentially by reneging on his promise if it serves his ambition for the prime minister's office.

Sources suggest Lieberman's strategy is aimed at appealing to right-wing voters who are hesitant about Ra'am or the Joint List having influence. Given current polling, Lieberman appears to believe that promising a majority government is unrealistic and is instead pursuing an alternative strategy to attract voters from the opposing bloc.