Lieberman, Ben-Gvir Criticize Joint List Over Anthem Walkout
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Avigdor Lieberman and Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the Joint List for walking out during Israel's national anthem at the Knesset swearing-in. Lieberman questioned potential partners about forming a government with the Joint List, while Ben-Gvir interrupted a Joint List member's oath. The "change bloc" is seeking to replace the Knesset Speaker with support from Arab parties, despite Lieberman's opposition to coalition dependence on them.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman and Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the Joint List for leaving the Knesset during the national anthem.
- The Joint List, except for Mansour Abbas, walked out before the singing of "Hatikvah" at the Knesset swearing-in.
- Itamar Ben-Gvir interrupted Joint List Chairman Yosef Jabareen's oath, questioning his allegiance.
- The "change bloc" is working with Arab parties to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana.
- Lieberman opposes forming a government reliant on Arab parties, despite parliamentary cooperation.
Political tensions flared during the swearing-in ceremony of the 26th Knesset when Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman criticized members of the Joint List for leaving the plenum during the national anthem. Lieberman shared a video of the incident on X, questioning his "change bloc" partners about their willingness to form a government with them. The walkout occurred before the singing of "Hatikvah," with most Joint List members departing, except for Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas, who remained standing. Earlier, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir interrupted the oath of allegiance of Joint List Chairman Yosef Jabareen, asking, "Who is he pledging to? Hamas?" Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana intervened, warning members against further disruptions. Jabareen later responded to Lieberman's criticism, vowing to remove Ben-Gvir from power. Lieberman has consistently stated he would not support a government reliant on Ra'am or the Joint List. Despite this, the "change bloc" is pursuing a joint parliamentary move with the Arab parties to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana, gathering 67 signatures, including from Ra'am and the Joint List. However, this parliamentary cooperation does not necessitate coalition support. As the new Knesset begins its work, the "change bloc" leaders face the challenge of forming a government amid differing stances on reliance on Arab parties.
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