Lieberman Sets Conditions for Coalition, Rules Out Netanyahu

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has outlined the conditions under which his party would agree to join a new government, stating they will not sit with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (referred to as "Bibi") or Arab parties (referred to as "Tibi"). Despite Netanyahu's bloc holding a slight advantage after the recent elections, Lieberman's stance effectively blocks the formation of a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, which would likely require the support of Arab parties. Lieberman emphasized that his pre-election promises remain in effect, declaring, "We will not sit with Bibi, nor with Tibi, nor with Goldknopf, nor with Deri. Not with Yasser Hujeirat, nor with the other supporters of terror. Neither directly nor indirectly." He specified that the only acceptable coalition would consist exclusively of "Zionist parties, including Likud without Bibi." Lieberman stated that the priorities for any new government must be the establishment of a state commission to investigate the October 7th tragedy and the passage of a universal conscription law. Yisrael Beiteinu is projected to win seven seats based on over 90% of votes counted. Earlier, Lieberman had urged caution regarding early election result assessments from exit polls, suggesting his party's position might be stronger than initially indicated.