Lieberman to Eisenkot: You'll Be PM, Let Me Work on Compromises
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Avigdor Lieberman told Gadi Eisenkot that Eisenkot would be prime minister and asked for time to work on forming a coalition, emphasizing the need for compromises. Lieberman and Eisenkot agreed to prioritize talks with Haredi parties before considering other options. Prime Minister Netanyahu called for a unity government, while Haredi parties rejected a proposal to change the Knesset speaker before government formation. Lieberman also stated his opposition to repealing judicial laws, prioritizing other legislative changes first.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman told Gadi Eisenkot he would be prime minister and urged him to prepare for compromises.
- Lieberman and Eisenkot agreed to exhaust talks with Haredi parties before pursuing other coalition options.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu called for a unity government including all Zionist and Haredi parties.
- United Torah Judaism rejected a proposal to change the Knesset speaker before government formation.
- Lieberman opposes repealing judicial laws, prioritizing other legislative changes first.
As the 26th Knesset is set to be sworn in Tuesday afternoon, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yesh Atid, continues coalition-building efforts after receiving the mandate from President Yitzhak Herzog. Eisenkot met with Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu and a key figure in forming the coalition. During their meeting, Lieberman reportedly told Eisenkot, "You will be prime minister. I am not asking for this position for myself. I ask that you give me time to work. There are no shortcuts. I am committed to replacing Netanyahu. You need to prepare your party and the bloc for the compromises that will be necessary."
The two agreed to exhaust negotiations with the Haredi parties before exploring other government options. Eisenkot requested Lieberman's assistance in these talks, indicating that a minority government involving Arab parties would be postponed until after discussions with the Haredi factions. Negotiations between Eisenkot and United Torah Judaism have reportedly begun. Eisenkot also secured the appointment of the next Knesset speaker after days of discussions with Naftali Bennett and Lieberman.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video calling for a unity government including all Zionist and Haredi parties, without mentioning a rotation. United Torah Judaism announced they refuse Yesh Atid's offer to join in replacing the Knesset speaker at the opening session, stating the change should coincide with government formation, not just the Knesset's convening, to avoid an "absurd situation" where the speaker opposes the government. A senior Shas official stated they had not received instructions to cooperate with the Knesset speaker change.
Previously undisclosed agreements and secret coalition talks were revealed, centering on a dramatic deal between Lieberman and Haredi leaders to bring them into the "change bloc" in exchange for concessions on sensitive core issues. These discussions reportedly involve a complete overhaul of the policy on drafting yeshiva students, including an immediate law to halt arrests of Haredi draft dodgers. A special committee would also be formed to re-examine military and civilian service for all populations.
Additionally, Lieberman announced his opposition to the incoming Knesset repealing judicial laws enacted by the outgoing government, prioritizing the Knesset speaker appointment, limiting the prime minister's term, and selecting a state comptroller. He stated, "Everything else - later." Opposition bloc members criticized Lieberman, accusing him of obstructing their election promises. Lieberman responded, calling the criticism "a witch hunt of stupidity and malice," and reiterated his priority order: replacing the Knesset speaker, appointing a state comptroller, legislating a two-term limit for the prime minister, and then repealing the judicial overhaul laws, calling anyone with a different priority order an "idiot."
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