Lieberman Clarifies Stance on Draft Law, Open to Compromise for Government Formation
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman stated he has not abandoned the principle of conscription but is open to compromise to form a government, aiming to avoid new elections. He criticized opponents of talks with Haredi parties and vowed not to support a government reliant on Arab parties. Lieberman referenced past draft law proposals and acknowledged the need for adjustments post-October 7th, while stressing his commitment to reservists and career soldiers.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman remains committed to the principle of conscription but is open to compromise for government formation.
- Lieberman criticized opponents of talks with Haredi parties, vowing to prevent a government reliant on Arab factions.
- He referenced past draft law proposals and acknowledged post-October 7th adjustments are needed.
- Lieberman denied personal ambition for the premiership, calling it an 'option, not an obsession'.
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman addressed criticism regarding his willingness to reach understandings with Haredi parties on Sunday, asserting that he has not abandoned the principle of conscription but is open to exploring compromises to enable government formation. His remarks follow his announcement of readiness to compromise on the draft law, aiming to facilitate a government without Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent further elections.
These developments occur amidst potential negotiations to include United Torah Judaism and Shas in a "change bloc" government, with the conscription issue remaining a significant point of contention. Lieberman criticized what he termed a "parade of folly" by commentators and bots, accusing them of attributing malicious motives and spreading false claims. He specifically attacked opponents of talks with the Haredim, alleging that some prefer a government reliant on Ra'am and the Joint List, parties whose members he claims have expressed severe anti-Israel stances and support for Hamas.
"I want to make it unequivocally clear: this will not happen. I will not lend a hand to establishing such a government," Lieberman declared. Regarding the draft law, he reiterated his belief that "the correct model is a draft law for everyone." However, he acknowledged that given the election results, options for reaching agreements based on previous frameworks must be examined. Lieberman referenced a draft law he proposed in 2018, developed with the IDF and security establishment, as well as the Shaked report and the outgoing coalition's draft law, as potential bases for discussion. He also noted that post-October 7th events necessitate adjustments to his previous proposals.
"I have not given up on the principle of conscription, nor on the commitment to expand benefits and improve the status of reservists and career soldiers," he emphasized. Lieberman also dismissed claims that his actions are driven by a personal ambition to lead the government, stating, "For me, it is an option, not an obsession," and added that he is not attempting to thwart his political partners.
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