Lieberman Meets Eisenkot, Refuses to Commit to PM Nomination
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Avigdor Lieberman met with Gadi Eisenkot but refused to commit to recommending him for Prime Minister. Lieberman's demand for his party's MK Oded Forer to be Knesset Speaker is causing political deadlock. Prime Minister Netanyahu's circle warned against replacing the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, while Eisenkot's camp insists on the change. President Isaac Herzog called for cooperation to avoid new elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman met Gadi Eisenkot but refused to commit to recommending him for Prime Minister.
- Lieberman's demand for MK Oded Forer as Knesset Speaker creates a political dilemma for party leaders.
- Netanyahu's camp warned that unity government talks would halt if Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana is replaced.
- Eisenkot's camp stated Ohana's replacement will proceed and joining Netanyahu's government is not an option.
- President Isaac Herzog urged party leaders to find solutions to prevent further elections.
- Gadi Eisenkot plans to establish a state inquiry commission and repeal 'legal overhaul' laws.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, met with Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yesh!" party, on Monday. However, Lieberman declined to commit to recommending Eisenkot to the President for the role of Prime Minister. This meeting followed Lieberman's discussion with Opposition leader Yair Lapid the previous day.
A key point of contention is Lieberman's demand to appoint MK Oded Forer from his faction as Knesset Speaker. This demand presents a dilemma for party leaders, as Arab factions are expected to oppose the appointment, while others fear that opposing Forer's nomination could lead Lieberman to obstruct any other candidate. Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly conveyed a message to Eisenkot stating that unity government negotiations would not proceed if Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana were replaced. They emphasized that talks would not even begin while efforts to appoint a different speaker are underway.
Netanyahu's circle also indicated that the Likud party is prepared to discuss various joint government options, provided this condition is met. Conversely, sources close to Eisenkot stated that Ohana's replacement would proceed as planned and that joining Netanyahu's government is not under consideration. Over the weekend, it was reported that leaders of the "Change Bloc" agreed on the need to replace Ohana, a move that aligns with Eisenkot's stated intention to "immediately act to realize the clear parliamentary majority."
Eisenkot also announced plans to establish a state commission of inquiry, promote mandatory service, and repeal laws related to the "legal overhaul." Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog addressed the preparations for the upcoming government formation consultations, set to begin on Wednesday. He urged party leaders to "stop climbing trees and prevent further elections," expressing hope that representatives would approach the discussions with open minds to find creative solutions and avoid additional elections.
Separately, the article mentions a confrontation between Zini and senior Shin Bet officials regarding an election bribery case, with Solberg stating that the examined suspicions will not undermine the election results.
Mentioned
