Lieberman Signals Flexibility on Conscription Law in Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has signaled a willingness to be flexible on the conscription law during coalition talks, suggesting previous proposals could be a basis for agreement. He also pushed back against criticism, stating he would not support a government reliant on Arab parties he deems hostile to Israel. Lieberman denied acting out of personal ambition for the premiership, emphasizing his principles remain intact despite his openness to dialogue.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman signaled flexibility on the conscription law in coalition talks.
- Lieberman stated he would not support a government reliant on Ra'am or the Joint List.
- He indicated a willingness to examine previous conscription proposals as a basis for discussion.
- Lieberman denied acting out of personal ambition for the premiership.
- He emphasized that understanding and dialogue do not mean surrendering principles.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, signaled flexibility over the weekend regarding the conscription law as part of ongoing coalition formation efforts. In a Sunday post, Lieberman stated that given the election results and the need to prevent further elections and "end the Netanyahu era," difficult decisions and compromises on flexible issues are unavoidable.
Lieberman addressed criticism that he was attempting to reach understandings with Haredi parties, asserting that his critics would prefer a government reliant on Ra'am and the Joint List. He characterized these parties as having members who publicly identify with Hamas and accuse Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity. "I want to make it unequivocally clear: this will not happen. I will not lend a hand to establishing such a government, which in my view would harm security and return Netanyahu to power," he emphasized.
Regarding the conscription issue, Lieberman reiterated his principled stance for a law that applies to everyone. However, he indicated a willingness to examine previous proposals, including a bill from 2018 drafted by the IDF and security establishment. He noted that following the "Simchat Torah massacre," even this proposal requires adjustments but could still serve as a "worthy basis for discussion." Lieberman stressed that he has not abandoned the principle of conscription or the commitment to expand benefits and improve the status of reservists and career soldiers.
Furthermore, Lieberman sought to refute claims that his actions stem from personal ambition for the premiership. "I am not acting out of personal ambition to be prime minister at any cost. I have always emphasized that for me, it is an option, not an obsession," he wrote, adding that he has received numerous offers from the "other side" since 2019 but has not acted on personal considerations or political maneuvers. He concluded by stating that a willingness to negotiate does not signify a surrender of principles, asserting that "understanding is not a surrender of principles, and dialogue is not the erasure of red lines."
