Lieberman Drops Demand for Lapid as Knesset Speaker, Eyes Ultra-Orthodox Deal
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Avigdor Lieberman has dropped his demand for Yair Lapid to be Knesset speaker, leaving Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett as potential candidates. Lieberman also signaled a willingness to compromise on his central election promise regarding a conscription law for the ultra-Orthodox, a move welcomed by United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher. Meanwhile, Democrats chairman Yair Golan expressed optimism about forming a minority government, while Yoaz Hendel criticized the "change bloc's" approach.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman dropped his demand for Yair Lapid to become Knesset speaker.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett are now the leading candidates for Knesset speaker.
- Lieberman is willing to compromise on his key election promise of a conscription law for the ultra-Orthodox.
- United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher welcomed Lieberman's flexibility on the conscription issue.
- Democrats chairman Yair Golan is optimistic about forming a minority government.
- Yoaz Hendel criticized the "change bloc" for their approach to negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, 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 abandon a key election promise: the "conscription law" for the ultra-Orthodox.
This shift follows Lieberman's recent removal of a long-standing political boycott on ultra-Orthodox parties, signaling openness for the "change bloc" to negotiate with them on draft exemption laws. In a post, Lieberman stated that the election results "require recalculating the course," acknowledging that "you cannot grasp too much." He admitted this was painful but necessary, even regarding the conscription law.
United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher responded positively to Lieberman's flexibility on the conscription issue, stating it was "joyful to discover the flexibility of all political players." He added that such flexibility could have saved much incitement and hatred in past years, noting that any proposal would be brought before rabbis for a decision.
Democrats chairman Yair Golan expressed optimism about forming a minority government, citing "real progress" in daily efforts to establish a "change government." He mentioned that negotiation teams from the Democrats and the Labor party have met multiple times this week, working seriously and responsibly to expedite government formation.
However, Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists party, criticized the "change bloc," questioning their willingness to let ultra-Orthodox parties make decisions after previously opposing him. Hendel advocated for a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that while he didn't want Netanyahu, the country's integrity was more important than his personal preference. He lamented that their "just and determined struggle" had been turned into a "political spin."
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