Lieberman Drops Demand for Lapid as Knesset Speaker, Eyes Ultra-Orthodox Deal
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Avigdor Lieberman has dropped his demand for Yair Lapid to become Knesset speaker, leaving Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett as potential candidates. Lieberman also signaled a willingness to compromise on his key election promise regarding ultra-Orthodox conscription, opening the door for negotiations with Haredi parties. United Torah Judaism welcomed the flexibility, while Yoaz Hendel criticized the shift. Yair Golan expressed optimism about forming a minority government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman dropped his demand for Yair Lapid to be Knesset speaker.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett are now the leading candidates for Knesset speaker.
- Lieberman will compromise on his central promise of an ultra-Orthodox conscription law.
- United Torah Judaism welcomed the flexibility shown on the conscription issue.
- Yair Golan expressed optimism about forming a minority government.
- Yoaz Hendel criticized the "change bloc" for political spin on the issue.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has abandoned his demand that opposition leader Yair Lapid be appointed Knesset speaker. The remaining candidates for the position are Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett. Lieberman also announced his intention to back away from his central election promise: a conscription law for the ultra-Orthodox.
This shift follows Lieberman's recent removal of a long-standing political boycott against ultra-Orthodox parties, signaling a willingness for his "change bloc" partners to negotiate with them. In a statement, Lieberman explained that the election results necessitate a "change of course," acknowledging that pursuing too many objectives can lead to failure. He expressed personal pain over abandoning the conscription law, recognizing it would also be difficult for many others.
United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher welcomed the "flexibility" shown by political players on the conscription issue, suggesting that much animosity could have been avoided if such flexibility had been demonstrated earlier. He stated that any proposal would be brought before the rabbis for a decision.
Meanwhile, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, expressed optimism about forming a minority government, citing serious daily efforts to achieve this goal. He revealed that negotiation teams from the Democrats and the Yisrael party have met multiple times this week, working diligently to expedite government formation. Both Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot have remained silent on Lieberman's announcement.
Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists party, criticized the "change bloc" for its apparent change of heart regarding the ultra-Orthodox. He questioned their willingness to let "Gudalkenopf" make decisions after previously opposing him. Hendel advocated for a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that while he did not want Netanyahu in power, the country's stability was more important than his personal preference. Hendel lamented that their "just and determined struggle" had been turned into a "political spin."
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