Lieberman Signals Flexibility on Ultra-Orthodox Draft Law for Government

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has publicly signaled a willingness to compromise on the contentious issue of the ultra-Orthodox draft law, a significant shift in his long-held stance. This move comes after reports that Lieberman had previously authorized coalition talks with the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism. Lieberman stated that flexibility and compromise are necessary to form a government without Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent further elections, even on sensitive issues like military conscription.

Lieberman's statement, made on Friday, is particularly noteworthy given his history of staunch opposition to the ultra-Orthodox parties on the draft issue. He emphasized that the national interest of Israel must supersede all other considerations. This apparent change in position follows a report by Amit Segal on Channel 12 news, suggesting Lieberman had eased his opposition to cooperating with the ultra-Orthodox parties, allowing the "change bloc" to initiate negotiations with United Torah Judaism.

The potential basis for agreement could be a draft law proposal Lieberman put forth in 2018 as Defense Minister, which included economic sanctions on yeshivas after a three-year delay and no personal sanctions on students. While this proposal was rejected by the ultra-Orthodox parties at the time, it is now being reconsidered as a potential foundation for a coalition agreement.

Lieberman outlined three non-negotiable conditions for forming a government: the end of Netanyahu's tenure, the prevention of new elections, and opposition to a government reliant on the abstention of the Joint List and Ra'am parties. He explicitly rejected the possibility of a minority government supported by these factions, advocating instead for a coalition of 61 Knesset members. This scenario could involve the "change bloc" (48 MKs) uniting with Shas and United Torah Judaism (13 MKs).

Despite Lieberman's flexibility, obstacles remain. United Torah Judaism has not yet recommended Netanyahu, interpreted by the "change bloc" as a positive sign, while Shas has recommended him, with party leader Aryeh Deri favoring continued partnership with Likud. Rabbi Moshe Maya also advised against joining a "left-wing" government and called for a unity government.

United Torah Judaism's chairman, MK Yaakov Asher, welcomed the demonstrated flexibility on the draft issue, lamenting past animosity. However, he stressed that no official coalition offer has been received and any decision would be subject to the approval of senior rabbis. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, expressed optimism about forming a new government, noting progress in negotiations between his party and the National Unity Party, and anticipating Knesset control by Tuesday.

Lieberman also definitively rejected rumors of a rotation in the Prime Minister's office with Gadi Eisenkot, stating his opposition to such mechanisms, which he believes harm governance. He explained his shift in stance by expressing concern that another short-lived minority government could lead to Netanyahu's return with an even stronger mandate, potentially leading to national ruin.