Lieberman Rejects Arab Party Support, Defends Ultra-Orthodox Conscription Deal
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, has rejected forming a government supported by Arab parties, instead advocating for a compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on the conscription law. He believes this is necessary to prevent further elections and end Benjamin Netanyahu's premiership. Lieberman criticized those who would rely on Arab parties, citing their alleged anti-Israel statements, and defended his willingness to negotiate with the ultra-Orthodox on conscription, emphasizing that compromise does not mean abandoning principles. His stance comes amid internal debates within the potential coalition regarding the terms of agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman refuses to join a government supported by Arab parties.
- Lieberman is willing to compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on the conscription law.
- He believes concessions are needed to prevent new elections and end Netanyahu's term.
- Lieberman criticized Arab parties for alleged support of Hamas and anti-Israel rhetoric.
- He stated he is not seeking the premiership at any cost.
- His position contrasts with others in the potential coalition who oppose concessions to the ultra-Orthodox.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, reiterated his refusal to join a government reliant on the support of the Joint List and United List parties. He defended his willingness to reach a compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on the conscription law, arguing that concessions are necessary to prevent new elections and end Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure. Lieberman stated he is not seeking the premiership at any cost.
Lieberman's remarks came in a lengthy post responding to criticism following his announcement last week of readiness for understandings with ultra-Orthodox parties regarding conscription. This comes as Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity party, prepares to receive the official mandate to form a government.
Lieberman characterized his critics, including analysts and journalists, as biased and driven by ulterior motives, with some comments exhibiting racism. He accused them of fabricating conspiracy theories regardless of his actions or the truth. He criticized those advocating for reliance on Arab parties to form an alternative government, stating they are the same people who prefer a government based on the United List and Joint List.
He launched a strong attack on Arab parties, claiming some of their lawmakers support Hamas, call it a charity, and accuse Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity. "This will not happen," Lieberman declared, adding that he would not participate in forming such a government, as it would harm security and return Netanyahu to power.
Justifying his openness to ultra-Orthodox parties, Lieberman cited the current reality as necessitating difficult decisions. He believes that to avoid further elections and end Netanyahu's era, compromises on issues allowing for flexibility are unavoidable. He stressed that understanding does not mean abandoning principles and dialogue does not erase red lines, maintaining his commitment to universal conscription while being open to discussing its implementation.
Lieberman referenced a conscription bill he proposed in 2018, drafted with the military and security establishment, and the current coalition's bill as potential bases for negotiation. He acknowledged that the 2018 proposal would need adjustments post-October 7 but still considered it a suitable foundation for understanding. He affirmed his commitment to conscription and improving conditions for reservists and career soldiers, recalling his past actions as Finance Minister to raise soldier salaries and support their higher education.
Responding to speculation about his political ambitions, Lieberman denied seeking the premiership at any price, stating his actions are driven by commitment to Israel's interests, not personal obsession. He claimed to have received numerous tempting offers since 2019 but is not engaged in political maneuvering.
Lieberman's clarifications emerged amid internal disagreements within Eisenkot's camp regarding the price for engaging ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly on the conscription law. While Eisenkot and Yair Golan, head of the Democratic party, insist on universal service, Lieberman shows willingness for compromise while rejecting reliance on Arab parties.