Netanyahu Allies Delay Committee Work to Block Lieberman
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
The formation of Israel's temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee has been delayed by Likud, which is reportedly trying to prevent Avigdor Lieberman from chairing it. Lieberman has warned against military decisions without parliamentary oversight, and his appointment is seen as a move to control Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions, particularly concerning Iran. The delay also impacts negotiations on the Haredi conscription law, where Lieberman's influence could be significant. The committee's role is to oversee military and intelligence matters, with the power to question top officials.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud is delaying the formation of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to prevent Avigdor Lieberman from chairing it.
- Lieberman has warned against military decisions without parliamentary oversight, especially concerning Iran.
- The delay impacts negotiations on a conscription law for Haredi men.
- Lieberman's chairmanship would give him access to intelligence and oversight of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- The committee has the power to summon top security officials and oversee intelligence matters.
The formation of the Knesset's temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee has been stalled for two days due to a condition set by the Likud party, preventing it from commencing work under the chairmanship of Avigdor Lieberman. The committee is now expected to convene on November 16th, with Lieberman's official appointment as its head also pending. The delay arose when the "Change bloc" requested a recess of the plenum to convene the Knesset's organizational committee and approve new committee chairs. Likud agreed but subsequently insisted that new committees not meet until November 16th, a condition tied to the reconvening of the plenum under the control of outgoing Speaker Amir Ohana.
Likud's reluctance to appoint Lieberman, who has warned the outgoing government against making military decisions without parliamentary oversight, is reportedly linked to concerns about potential escalation with Iran. Lieberman has stated that the transitional government "is not authorized to make decisions that could drag Israel into war without parliamentary oversight and without the full consent of all security agencies." As committee head, Lieberman would gain access to classified intelligence, which the "Change bloc" believes is being deliberately withheld.
Experts suggest Lieberman sought the committee chairmanship not only to influence the conscription law but also to monitor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, whose current oversight is minimal, especially amid disagreements with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding actions in Iran. Netanyahu's camp reportedly fears Lieberman might summon Zamir to discuss Iran, a scenario they wish to avoid. Lieberman himself has announced his intention to summon the Chief of Staff and the head of Mossad to discuss developments concerning Iran.
The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is the primary non-governmental body overseeing the military and security forces, particularly concerning intelligence and secret weapons systems. It can summon the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Chief of Staff, and heads of Shin Bet and Mossad, and approves regulations related to security, emergency conscription, and home front readiness. While it cannot veto actions, its power lies in its ability to question, summon, and expose.
Another factor in Likud's opposition is ongoing negotiations between the "Change bloc" and United Torah Judaism regarding the conscription law. Lieberman's role in the committee overseeing this issue could help him persuade the Haredi parties to join the government. A proposal is being considered to freeze mandatory conscription and desertion arrests for a year, during which a consensual law based on Lieberman's 2018 concept would be developed. However, this faces challenges, as the Haredi parties require a legally sound solution, and Shas is expected to remain outside the coalition. Lieberman's stance on potentially forming a government reliant on Ra'am, which he has opposed, presents a further dilemma as his mandate nears its end.
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