Lieberman Rejects Netanyahu, Demands Security Reforms and Election Probe
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Avigdor Lieberman rejected an offer to join a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing security concerns and demanding Netanyahu's removal. Lieberman is backing Gadi Eisenkot and seeking to avoid new elections. He will chair the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and plans to investigate alleged election manipulation. Lieberman also set conditions for coalition partners, opposing reliance on Arab parties and demanding stability, while expressing willingness to compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on certain issues.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman rejected joining a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Lieberman stated Netanyahu is a security threat and his removal is a condition for a new government.
- Lieberman will chair the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and investigate election manipulation.
- He opposes governments reliant on Arab parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- Lieberman is open to compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties but insists on army conscription legislation.
- His proposed agenda includes limiting the prime minister to two terms and repealing judicial reforms.
Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has rejected proposals from the Likud party to join a national unity government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Lieberman stated that Netanyahu poses a security threat and that his removal is a prerequisite for forming any new government. While unwilling to support a cabinet with Netanyahu, Lieberman indicated openness to partnering with Likud if Netanyahu steps down. He is backing Gadi Eisenkot and aims to prevent new elections.
Lieberman denied rumors of seeking to help Netanyahu remain in power and clarified he is not demanding the prime minister position or a rotation agreement. He has recommended Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog and pledged support for coalition negotiations. Lieberman has also been appointed chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. His initial actions in this role will include summoning the head of Shin Bet, David Zini, and Inspector General of Police Dani Levi, to investigate alleged election result manipulation.
Lieberman also outlined conditions for future coalition partners, expressing opposition to governments reliant on Arab parties, even if they abstain from voting. He will not support parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. Lieberman emphasized the need for a stable government that can serve a full four-year term, pass a state budget, and enact legislation for Judea and Samaria. He believes a government dependent on Arab parties would lack stability and could inadvertently strengthen Netanyahu's position.
Despite the 'change bloc' not securing a majority, Lieberman is open to compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on certain issues, while maintaining core principles. Regarding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the army, he insists on legislation that can withstand Supreme Court scrutiny. Lieberman denied any pre-election negotiations with ultra-Orthodox factions or any mediation by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion or Avi Avuchatzira.
Lieberman's proposed agenda for the new Knesset includes replacing the Knesset speaker, electing a state comptroller, limiting the prime minister to two terms, and repealing judicial reforms. He also demands that the first decision of a new government be the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th massacre.
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