Lieberman Accuses Eisenkot of Seeking Alliance with Netanyahu and Ultra-Orthodox

Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, on Friday accused Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the HaMahane HaTzioni party and a leading contender to form an opposition government, of seeking to establish a coalition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties. Lieberman asserted on the social media platform X that Eisenkot aims to form a government with Netanyahu, Yitzhak Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism, and Aryeh Deri of Shas, while keeping a minority government option open as leverage against Netanyahu. Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's "largest party" campaign is not about shifting votes from those avoiding military service to those serving, but rather about consolidating votes within his own bloc. He argued this contradicts recent understandings among opposition leaders and harms unity, suggesting Eisenkot is planning for the post-election period and seeking to emerge stronger than the Likud to negotiate a coalition with Netanyahu.

Lieberman also pointed to statements by Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar about potential cooperation with Eisenkot, reports of an initiative by Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a "Netanyahu-Eisenkot" government, and White House briefings as evidence of these converging interests. He cited Eisenkot's past descriptions of Shas and his proposed conscription plan, which he believes would still allow thousands of Torah students to defer military service, as reinforcing his concerns. Lieberman denied that Yisrael Beiteinu's stance aims to thwart Eisenkot's government formation, stating his party adheres to its principles regardless of polls or coalition needs. He reiterated that Yisrael Beiteinu will not join a coalition supported by Arab parties, directly or indirectly, since October 7.

Lieberman concluded that Eisenkot is trying to form a government with Netanyahu, Goldknopf, and Deri, using the minority government option to secure the first rotation spot for prime minister. He lamented what he sees as excessive personal ambition overriding the desire to address issues of military service deferments. Lieberman proposed that the four opposition parties must secure a solid majority for a "Zionist and liberal" government to prevent Eisenkot from aiding Netanyahu. He drew parallels between Eisenkot's political inexperience and that of former IDF chiefs who entered politics, like Yigal Allon, Ehud Barak, and Benny Gantz, suggesting military experience does not substitute for political acumen.

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom reported on Friday that former US President Donald Trump had indicated he might comment on Israeli elections, linking internal political dynamics to geo-strategic policy. The newspaper suggested this is tied to Trump's "Grand Plan" for the Middle East, involving an alliance based on the Abraham Accords after confronting Iran. The report indicated that the US administration and other international parties are pushing for a broad Israeli government capable of making long-term decisions within a comprehensive political settlement. This message, according to a senior US source, has been conveyed directly to prominent Israeli political figures. While Netanyahu's office and the White House maintain contact, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has met with party leaders, including Eisenkot. These moves are reportedly cautious to avoid election interference, but the international community, led by the US, favors a stable, broad government free of extremist elements. The scenario envisioned by Israel Hayom involves a Likud-HaMahane HaTzioni government, with Netanyahu serving a limited term of up to two years to conclude conflicts and forge regional agreements, particularly with Saudi Arabia, before stepping down.