Israeli Journalist Praises Lieberman's Compromise Stance on Ultra-Orthodox Coalition

Political commentator Michael Shemesh has publicly supported Avigdor Lieberman's willingness to make concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties to form a new Israeli government. Shemesh praised Lieberman's readiness to reconsider his position and propose a potential government formation plan, even if it involves difficult compromises.

Shemesh commented on November 6th that Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, had indicated he was prepared to form a government including ultra-Orthodox parties and accept a less stringent version of the military conscription law. "I appreciate Lieberman's courage in being willing to revise his approach and offer a possible government option for the State of Israel, while explaining what needs to be done and why," Shemesh wrote.

The journalist argued that this approach is far preferable to politicians who avoid open dialogue with their constituents and hesitate to explain necessary compromises for government formation. "In my opinion, this is tens of times better than hiding from one's own voters and not being able to say a word about the compromises that need to be made here to form any government at all," Shemesh added.

Lieberman himself had called for political flexibility on issues not central to coalition formation, specifically mentioning the contentious military conscription law. He stated, "On all other issues, flexibility is possible and necessary, compromises should be made, and one must understand that if you try to get too much, you might get nothing. This also applies to the conscription law. It hurts me, and I know it hurts many others. But in the face of the numerous challenges we face today, the national interests of the State of Israel and the Jewish people must come above all other considerations," said the Yisrael Beiteinu head.