Lieberman Willing to Compromise with Haredim to Oust Netanyahu, Analyst Says
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly willing to compromise with Haredi parties on conscription, a move political commentator Meir Berger attributes to Lieberman's primary goal of ousting Benjamin Netanyahu. Berger suggests this flexibility is a strategic shift driven by the secular bloc's inability to secure an independent majority. However, forming such a coalition faces significant obstacles, particularly from potential partners like Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, leading Berger to believe another election is the most probable outcome.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman is willing to compromise on Haredi conscription to achieve his goal of removing Benjamin Netanyahu from power.
- Political commentator Meir Berger believes Lieberman's strategy is driven by the secular bloc's inability to form a majority government independently.
- Haredi parties' main demand is legislative exemption from conscription for yeshiva students.
- Potential coalition partners Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid present a significant obstacle to a compromise government.
- Meir Berger assesses that another election remains the most likely scenario despite Lieberman's apparent flexibility.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has signaled a willingness to compromise on the issue of Haredi conscription, a significant shift from his previously staunch opposition. Political commentator Meir Berger of the HaMevaser newspaper suggests this flexibility stems from Lieberman's primary goal: removing Benjamin Netanyahu from power. Berger explains that Lieberman appears to have prioritized ousting Netanyahu over his long-standing demand to exclude Haredi parties from government.
Berger posits that Lieberman's strategic reevaluation is driven by the understanding that the secular bloc lacks an independent majority of 61 Knesset seats. This realization, he argues, necessitates seeking partners beyond traditional alliances. The commentator points to past election results, suggesting that the "right-wing bloc's" strength is closer to 60 seats, and that recent election outcomes were influenced by factors like high voter turnout and parties failing to cross the electoral threshold, rather than a significant shift in voter allegiance.
While Lieberman may be ready to compromise, forming a government with Haredi parties faces significant hurdles. Berger highlights the Haredi parties' central demand: legislative arrangements to exempt yeshiva students from conscription and prevent their arrest. However, the greater challenge lies in securing agreement from potential coalition partners like Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Berger notes that conscription was a key campaign issue for Bennett, making it difficult for him to justify supporting legislation favored by Haredi parties.
Berger also considers alternative scenarios, including the possibility that Lieberman's overtures are a tactic to complicate Gadi Eisenkot's political maneuvering or to set the stage for another election. He acknowledges the difficulty Lieberman might face in regaining voter trust on conscription if a compromise fails. Despite the potential for compromise, Berger remains skeptical about the immediate prospects of forming a government, concluding that another election remains the most likely outcome, not out of desire, but due to political deadlock.
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