Lieberman Open to Compromise on Draft Law for Government Formation

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated on Friday that he is willing to compromise on the contentious issue of the draft law for ultra-Orthodox conscription as part of forming a new government. He explained that while the matter is difficult for him, the national interest of Israel and its people must take precedence over all other considerations given the current challenges facing the country.

Lieberman reiterated his opposition to a minority government that would rely on the abstention of Arab parties, stating that Yisrael Beiteinu would vote against such a government. He emphasized the need to make maximum effort to establish a coalition of 61 Knesset members without the Joint List and Ra'am. Lieberman also suggested that after such a government is formed, it would be highly probable to bring in an additional three or four Knesset members from the Likud party.

Furthermore, Lieberman expressed his opposition to holding repeat elections and to a rotation mechanism for the prime ministership, arguing that rotation harms the proper functioning of the state and that whoever forms a government should have full authority for the entire term. Meanwhile, sources within United Torah Judaism confirmed to Haaretz that quiet behind-the-scenes negotiations have been taking place in recent months between associates of Lieberman and Haredi figures. These sources indicated that while a path to agreement is still long, there is a "good connection" with the Yisrael Beiteinu chairman.