Lieberman Seeks Government Change, Rules Out Netanyahu Alliance

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced Monday that he would recommend Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister and support Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker, signaling a push for a change in government. In a briefing to journalists, Lieberman stated unequivocally that he would not join a government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, even if offered the first rotation spot. He also expressed a desire for partnership with the Likud party, but only without Netanyahu.

Political commentator Daphna Liel analyzed Lieberman's intentions, noting his absolute refusal to sit with Netanyahu. She explained that Lieberman believes a government relying on Arab parties would not survive and would ultimately strengthen Netanyahu's position. Therefore, Lieberman's support for Lapid as Knesset speaker is seen as a move to facilitate a government change, a process he acknowledges will take time.

Notably, Lieberman did not proactively address the possibility of forming a government with Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties. Liel suggested this omission might indicate he is waiting for Eisenkot and Netanyahu to fail, potentially positioning himself to form a government with the Haredi parties or explore other configurations. Lieberman did not confirm or deny this possibility.

During the briefing, Lieberman also highlighted Yisrael Beiteinu's gain of over 124,000 voters compared to the previous election. However, he criticized the opposition's performance, blaming Gadi Eisenkot for what he termed an "egoistic campaign," despite his intention to recommend Eisenkot for prime minister.