Lieberman Reaffirms Military Service Demand Amidst Coalition Talks

Avigdor Lieberman, president of Yisrael Beiteinu, has clarified his stance on military conscription, seeking to dispel accusations of a political reversal. He stated on Sunday that his objective of universal national service participation remains unchanged, despite opening the door to potential compromises with ultra-Orthodox parties. This clarification follows Gadi Eisenkot's mandate to form the next Israeli government.

In a message on X, Lieberman asserted that "reaching an agreement does not mean abandoning one's principles, and discussing does not mean erasing one's red lines," reaffirming his commitment to the principle of conscription for all citizens. He acknowledged that the election results of October 27 necessitate strategic adjustments, prioritizing the removal of the Netanyahu government without triggering new elections. This, he believes, will require concessions from various political factions.

Lieberman proposed reviving a conscription bill he introduced in 2018, adapting it to current military needs post-October 7, 2023. He also pledged to continue advocating for the rights and benefits of reservists and career soldiers. Lieberman's stance could significantly alter the political landscape, as Eisenkot's "Bloc of Change" holds 48 seats in the Knesset, short of the 61 needed for a majority.

To form a government, Eisenkot needs additional support. Lieberman has categorically ruled out any coalition dependent on Arab parties Ra'am and the Unified List, viewing a rapprochement with ultra-Orthodox parties as the primary path to replacing Netanyahu. This possibility gained traction when United Torah Judaism (UTJ), dissatisfied with the lack of conscription legislation, refused to recommend Netanyahu to President Isaac Herzog. The Shas party, another ultra-Orthodox faction, remained loyal to Netanyahu but emerged weakened from the elections with only six seats.

However, such an alliance faces significant hurdles. Eisenkot insists on universal military, civil, or national service, and Yair Golan's Democrats also condition support for Haredi parties on commitments regarding conscription, employment, and individual liberties. Lieberman denied accusations that he is hindering Eisenkot's efforts for personal gain, stating that becoming prime minister is a possibility, not an obsession.

Meanwhile, an alternative scenario is emerging. According to Haaretz, the Arab party Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, is reportedly willing to vote for a minority government led by Eisenkot, even without a coalition agreement, to prevent reliance on ultra-Orthodox parties. Ra'am previously participated in the Bennett-Lapid coalition from 2021 to 2022. The Unified List might abstain from officially supporting the government while avoiding voting against its investiture. In this configuration, Eisenkot could theoretically secure 56 votes, allowing for a minority government if other lawmakers abstain, though this remains incompatible with Lieberman's refusal to join a government reliant on Arab parties.