Lieberman Accuses Eisenkot of Damaging "Change Bloc" Election Chances
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Avigdor Lieberman accused Gadi Eisenkot of damaging the "change bloc's" election prospects during a tense meeting on October 31. The change bloc won 48 mandates in the recent elections, falling short of Benjamin Netanyahu's 53. Lieberman reiterated his refusal to join a coalition with Arab parties, citing their alleged support for terror. Naftali Bennett announced he would recommend Eisenkot to form the government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman accused Gadi Eisenkot of harming the "change bloc's" election chances.
- The "change bloc" secured 48 mandates in the October 27 elections, while Netanyahu's bloc won 53.
- Lieberman reiterated his refusal to join a coalition with Arab parties.
- Naftali Bennett will recommend Eisenkot to the president as the candidate to form the government.
- Lieberman believes Eisenkot's party lacks suitable candidates for Knesset speaker.
- Yisrael Beiteinu and Yashar declined to comment on the meeting.
A tense meeting took place on Saturday, October 31, between Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, and Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party. Sources familiar with the discussion told Ynet on Sunday, November 1, that Lieberman blamed Eisenkot, stating that Eisenkot's election campaign and his promotion of a minority government "harmed the change bloc" and reduced its chances of success in the October 27 elections. The change bloc secured 48 mandates in the election, while Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc won 53.
The meeting occurred amidst efforts by the change bloc parties to form the next government. Lieberman's strict conditions, which rule out cooperation with Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties, remain a significant obstacle. The discussion also addressed the candidacy for Knesset speaker. Sources indicated Lieberman believes Eisenkot's party currently lacks sufficiently experienced politicians for the role. This conversation happened as negotiations within the change bloc were underway to replace the current Knesset speaker an initiative expected before the new government is sworn in.
Both Yisrael Beiteinu and Yashar declined to comment on the meeting. Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Be Yahad party, announced his intention to recommend Eisenkot to the president as the candidate to form the government.
Lieberman reiterated his stance over the weekend, stating Yisrael Beiteinu will not join a coalition with the United Arab List or the Ra'am party. He wrote on social media platform X that "we will not sit with supporters of terror." He cited Knesset member Ofer Cassif's support for South Africa's ICJ case against Israel and his claims of "terrorist actions by the Israeli army." Lieberman also referenced Knesset member Yaser Hugeirat of Ra'am stating Hamas is a charity, not a terror group, and noted that Osama Saadi of the United Arab List celebrated election results with "our people in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem," while a Palestinian national anthem was played. Lieberman concluded, "Whoever wants to rely on supporters of terror, that's their business. But Yisrael Beiteinu will not participate in this."
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