Israeli Political Leaders Meet Amid Government Formation Talks

By Вести-Ynet

Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba

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Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman met with United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher in the Knesset on November 11, potentially signaling a shift in his stance on including ultra-Orthodox parties in a future government. The meeting occurred amid ongoing efforts by various factions to form a government following recent elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to advocate for a unity government. Separately, Lieberman was appointed head of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, while the organizational committee's first meeting was marked by significant political infighting.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Avigdor Lieberman met with Yaakov Asher, potentially softening his stance on ultra-Orthodox inclusion in government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to push for a unity government under his leadership.
Arie Deri of Shas met with Netanyahu following his party's electoral setback.
Avigdor Lieberman was appointed chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
The Knesset's organizational committee meeting saw heated exchanges between members.
Gadi Eisenkot's bloc achieved its first Knesset success with the approval of the organizational committee.

Israeli Political Leaders Meet Amid Government Formation Talks — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Yisrael Beiteinu party head Avigdor Lieberman met with United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher in the Knesset on Wednesday, November 11. Lieberman did not deny reports that he had dropped his pre-election condition to form a government without ultra-Orthodox parties. An official statement from Asher's office attributed the meeting to a mundane reason: "Their offices are across from each other. Asher ran out of coffee, so he popped over to borrow some from Lieberman." Lieberman continues to oppose a minority government with external support from Ra'am and rules out joining a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu. This contact followed a meeting between Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Netanyahu, their first since the elections where Shas suffered a significant defeat. Both are reportedly seeking to prevent the formation of a "Block of Change" government. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is continuing his calls for a unity government under his leadership, stating on Wednesday that most Israelis desire this outcome. Also on Wednesday, Lieberman was officially appointed chairman of the Knesset's temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, with Talia Lanki of Yisrael Beiteinu named deputy chair. Liran Avishar Ben-Horin of the Bayahad party was appointed head of the temporary Finance Committee. These appointments were approved at the first meeting of the organizational committee, chaired by Roi Folkman. The Knesset had previously approved the organizational committee's composition by a vote of 63 to 50, with support from Arab party deputies. This vote marked the first success for Gadi Eisenkot's bloc in the new Knesset amid their efforts to form a government. The first meeting of the organizational committee was marked by heated exchanges. Members reminded Erez Tadmor of Likud of his past military conviction for theft. Tadmor insulted Merav Ben Ari, while Naama Lazimi was reminded of road blockades. When Lazimi raised the issue of sexist insults, Tali Gottlieb repeatedly interrupted her. Following further outbursts, the chairman removed Gottlieb from the session.