Lieberman-Asher Meeting Spontaneous, Coalition Fears Signal to Netanyahu

A meeting between Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman and United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher took place spontaneously at the Knesset on Wednesday, according to Kan News. Asher initiated the brief, few-minute conversation by entering Lieberman's office. Members of the "change bloc" coalition fear that Asher may be using the willingness for dialogue as a signal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier in the week, Lieberman denied reports of involvement in talks with Haredi parties regarding agreements that would include freezing the draft law. He stated that any draft law must first pass Supreme Court (Bagatz) review, otherwise, it is a waste of time. Lieberman also criticized channels, expressing opposition to forming a government with the support of Arab parties, calling it a "well-organized campaign aimed at harming, slandering, and paving the way for a minority government with Hamas supporters."