Lieberman Explains Compromise With Ultra-Orthodox, Cites Need for Flexibility

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, explained his decision to lift an embargo on engagement with ultra-Orthodox parties and expressed readiness for compromise on the conscription law in a social media post on November 6. He stated that the election results necessitate a reassessment of political strategies, emphasizing the need for compromise and forward-thinking, drawing parallels to chess.

Lieberman recalled past warnings he issued that were initially dismissed but later proved accurate, including one about the October 7th invasion and another concerning the impact of a "big party" campaign and minority government talks on the "bloc of change" in the previous elections. He warned that a minority government would be short-lived and could lead to Benjamin Netanyahu securing a larger mandate in subsequent elections, which he metaphorically described as a path to "the destruction of the Third Temple."

He outlined three core principles for the current political reality: ending the Netanyahu era, avoiding new elections, and not forming a government reliant on the support of the Arab parties Ra'am and the United Arab List. Lieberman reiterated his firm opposition to a government backed by these parties, stating Yisrael Beiteinu would vote against it.

However, Lieberman stressed flexibility on all other issues, including the sensitive conscription law, acknowledging that compromises might be difficult but are necessary for Israel's national interest. He dismissed rumors and interpretations of his positions, asserting his own direct communication style. He also criticized the rotation mechanism in government as detrimental and advocated for a single bloc of 61 Knesset members, potentially expanding to include Likud members, as the optimal strategy for a stable four-year term.