Lieberman Softens Stance on Haredi Draft, Signals Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has removed anti-Haredi slogans from his social media and signaled openness to coalition talks with Haredi parties, suggesting his 2018 draft law as a basis for compromise on the draft issue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly working to prevent Haredi parties from joining Gadi Eisenkot's potential government. Eisenkot, tasked with forming the government, has pledged to uphold principles of service for all citizens.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman removed anti-Haredi slogans, signaling potential coalition talks with Haredi parties.
- Lieberman proposes his 2018 draft law as a basis for compromise on yeshiva student conscription.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly trying to prevent Haredi parties from joining Gadi Eisenkot's government.
- Haredi parties demand the draft law pass judicial review before joining a new government.
- Gadi Eisenkot vowed not to compromise on principles of service for all Israeli citizens.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has removed the slogan "End of the Netanyahu era and Haredi rule!" from his social media profiles, signaling a significant shift in his political stance. This visual change accompanies Lieberman's recent openness to forming a government with the Haredi parties, United Torah Judaism and Shas. He has indicated a willingness to base a compromise on the draft law for yeshiva students on his own 2018 draft law proposal. This 2018 law, which included target mechanisms and graduated economic sanctions on yeshivas, is considered a softer approach compared to later proposals.
Lieberman stated that while adjustments are needed following the October 7th events, his 2018 proposal serves as a legitimate starting point for coalition negotiations. His party's involvement in the coalition talks, led by Gadi Eisenkot's team, has reportedly accelerated the process, with Lieberman's representatives presenting practical proposals. This shift is further evidenced by his recent publications and his announcement of candidacy for the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairmanship.
Despite these developments, significant legal and political hurdles remain. The Haredi parties' primary demand is for the draft law to be legislated and pass judicial review before the new government is formed, viewing it as a prerequisite for cooperation. Lieberman himself has acknowledged the need for a draft law that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Likud party believes it has succeeded in preventing the Haredi parties from joining the "change bloc" led by Eisenkot. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an extensive late-night meeting with MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism, aiming to dissuade the Haredi parties from supporting Eisenkot's government without immediate concessions. Likud estimates that these pressures have convinced Asher not to relinquish their political leverage without concrete gains.
Shas has reiterated its continued support for Netanyahu. Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming the government, has vowed not to compromise on his principles, stating, "We will not fold the flag" on ensuring service for all Israeli citizens. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a potential 14-day extension.
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