Lieberman Calls for Compromise to Form Government, Including on Conscription Law

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has called for flexibility and compromise on a range of issues, including the contentious conscription law, to prevent the formation of a government reliant on the Joint List and Ra'am parties. He stated that "national responsibility requires us to make difficult decisions and be prepared for painful compromises" to avoid "a third Temple destruction" and prevent further elections.

Lieberman emphasized that his party will oppose any government that depends on the support of the Joint List and Ra'am. However, he indicated a willingness to be flexible on other matters, including the conscription law, which he acknowledged is a difficult issue for many. He argued that the national interest of Israel and its people must take precedence over all other considerations.

He explained his shift by referencing past warnings that proved accurate, such as his 2016 alert about potential incursions into Israeli territory and his recent caution that the "big party" campaign and discussions about a minority government were harming the "change bloc." Lieberman claimed that the change bloc lost between seven and eight Knesset seats in the recent elections, with three to four of Yisrael Beiteinu's seats returning to Likud, enabling it to become the largest party.

Lieberman also dismissed reports of discussions about a rotation in the prime minister's office, stating he had not spoken with anyone about it. He believes such rotation mechanisms are detrimental to good governance and should be abolished. His proposed strategy involves forming a coalition of 61 Knesset members without the Joint List and Ra'am, potentially adding three to four Likud members afterward, which he sees as the only path to a stable government for the next four years.