Netanyahu Considers Dramatic Coalition With Lieberman, Including Rotation
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The Likud party is considering a dramatic coalition with Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman, including a rotation for the prime minister position, to break the post-2026 election deadlock. To address deep mistrust, external guarantees from figures like President Isaac Herzog or U.S. President Donald Trump are being explored. An additional proposal suggests securing the presidency for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to incentivize him to uphold the rotation deal. Lieberman has previously rejected serving with Netanyahu, but Likud is assessing the idea due to the complex parliamentary map.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud is considering a coalition with Avigdor Lieberman, including a prime ministerial rotation.
- External guarantors like Isaac Herzog or Donald Trump are being discussed for the deal.
- A proposal suggests Netanyahu could become president to ensure he honors the rotation.
- Lieberman has publicly rejected serving with Netanyahu.
- The current Knesset has 53 seats for the right-wing bloc and 48 for the opposition.
Amid a political stalemate following the 2026 elections, the Likud party is exploring a dramatic coalition option that includes bringing Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman into the government. Despite past animosity, Yisrael Beiteinu's ideological alignment with Likud is closer than with many "change bloc" parties. However, a deep-seated trust deficit between Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains the primary obstacle.
To overcome this lack of trust, Likud insiders are reportedly considering offering Lieberman a rotation agreement for the prime minister position, as detailed in the newspaper 'Maariv'. Recognizing Lieberman's skepticism after the failed rotation deal with Benny Gantz, creative solutions for external and international guarantees are being examined to ensure the agreement's fulfillment. Names floated as potential guarantors include Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Another unconventional idea discussed within Likud is securing the role of State President for Netanyahu in the future. This proposal suggests that by ensuring his own future presidential post, Netanyahu would have a direct personal and political incentive to honor the rotation agreement and vacate the Prime Minister's residence for Lieberman.
Although Lieberman has publicly and firmly rejected any possibility of serving with Netanyahu, Likud continues to assess the feasibility of this idea given the complex parliamentary arithmetic. The current Knesset composition shows the right-wing and religious bloc with 53 seats, the opposition bloc with 48, and Arab parties holding 19 seats.
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