Lieberman Open to Concessions on Draft Law to Form Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, expressed readiness to compromise on the draft law for Haredi men to help form a government, provided it doesn't rely on parties identifying with Hamas. He criticized those accusing him of malicious intent and stated he would not support a government that harms security or brings Benjamin Netanyahu back to power. United Torah Judaism also indicated willingness to join a "change bloc" government if the draft law is resolved. Gadi Eisenkot will be tasked with forming the government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman is willing to compromise on the draft law to form a government, excluding parties identifying with Hamas.
- Lieberman stated he would not support a government that harms security or returns Netanyahu to power.
- United Torah Judaism is open to joining a "change bloc" government if the draft law is resolved.
- Gadi Eisenkot will be tasked by President Herzog to form the next government.
- Eisenkot received 67 recommendations, while Netanyahu received 46.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced on Sunday his willingness to compromise on the contentious draft law for Haredi men, as part of efforts to form a government. Lieberman stated that the national interest necessitates flexibility on issues outside his three core demands: ending the Netanyahu era, avoiding further elections, and opposing a government reliant on the abstention of the Joint List and Ra'am parties. He clarified that readiness for compromise does not mean abandoning values and principles, and criticized commentators he accused of fabricating conspiracies and attributing malicious motives to him.
Lieberman asserted that he would not support a government that relies on parties whose members have publicly identified with Hamas or accused Israel of genocide, stating such a government would harm security and return Benjamin Netanyahu to power. He emphasized that to prevent new elections and end Netanyahu's tenure, difficult decisions and compromises on flexible issues are unavoidable. He reiterated his belief in a universal draft law but acknowledged the need for adjustments based on past proposals and the post-October 7 reality.
Lieberman also addressed his personal ambitions, stating he is not driven by a desire to be prime minister at any cost and has rejected numerous offers from the "other side" since 2019. He insisted his actions are solely motivated by commitment to Israel's well-being and the Israeli people, not political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, a source from the United Torah Judaism party indicated a willingness to join a government led by the "change bloc" if an agreement on the draft law is reached, calling it the most crucial issue. The source suggested the upcoming week would be significant in determining the change bloc's readiness for compromise on the draft law, emphasizing that negotiations would proceed according to directives from senior Haredi leadership, provided the status of yeshiva students is settled without compromising the Jewish character of the state or religious values.
President Yitzhak Herzog is scheduled to formally task Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, with forming the 38th government on Monday. Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 Knesset members, while Netanyahu garnered 46. Seven members of Knesset from United Torah Judaism abstained from making a recommendation. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a potential 14-day extension.