Lieberman Rules Out Coalition With Netanyahu or Arab Parties

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the right-wing Israel Beiteinu party, has stated he will not form a coalition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referred to as "Bibi," or with Ahmad Tibi, chairman of the Arab party Ta'al, referred to as "Tibi." Lieberman declared his intention to form a "Zionist unity government" but refused to cooperate with either figure. This stance contradicts speculation that Netanyahu's Likud party might attempt to secure the necessary 61 seats for a right-wing bloc by bringing in opposition parties or "defectors."

Lieberman reiterated his commitment to his campaign promises, emphasizing that his party would not negotiate with Netanyahu or Arab parties. He also excluded the possibility of a coalition with Arab parties that might be necessary for a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Lieberman indicated a need to wait for the political situation to stabilize before determining the next steps.

In a social media post, Lieberman expanded on his position, stating, "For me, one word counts, and everything I said before the elections also counts afterward. We will not negotiate with Bibi or Tibi, not with Goldknopf or Deri. Not with Yassir Hujirat or the other supporters of terrorism, neither directly nor indirectly." He included ultra-Orthodox parties led by Yitzhak Goldknopf in his exclusion list.

Lieberman specified that the only acceptable coalition would consist solely of Zionist parties, potentially including the Likud but explicitly excluding Netanyahu. He called for Netanyahu's resignation, stating, "This man must resign, and those who are loyal to the path of Herzl, Trumpeldor, and Jabotinsky must depose him." Lieberman also insisted that the first actions of the next government must be to establish an independent state investigation commission and to introduce universal conscription.

Israel Beiteinu has secured seven seats after counting over 90 percent of the votes. Meanwhile, leading members of the "change bloc" met to discuss potentially ousting Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Following the initial election forecasts, Lieberman had previously criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of acting "like the leader of a criminal organization" and alleging Likud election manipulation. He also called for a "rebellion" within the Likud to replace Netanyahu, which he believes would facilitate the formation of a Zionist coalition.