Avigdor Lieberman's Political Maneuvers Hold Key to Next Israeli Government
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, is seen as the key figure in forming Israel's next government, holding crucial leverage despite Gadi Eisenkot receiving the mandate. Lieberman, a seasoned politician with a history of shifting alliances, has held most senior ministerial posts but not the premiership. His political journey includes founding Yisrael Beiteinu after leaving the Likud and a notable break with Benjamin Netanyahu over the Haredi conscription law. While publicly opposing Haredi parties, analysts believe Lieberman may eventually compromise to prevent new elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman holds the decisive influence over the formation of Israel's next government.
- Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate to form a government but relies on Lieberman's support.
- Lieberman has held numerous senior ministerial roles but has never served as Prime Minister.
- His political career includes founding Yisrael Beiteinu and a significant falling out with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Analysts predict Lieberman may compromise with Haredi parties to avoid further elections.
Avigdor Lieberman, the enigmatic chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, is currently holding the keys to the formation of Israel's next government, according to political analysts. Despite receiving the mandate to form a government from President Herzog, Gadi Eisenkot acknowledged that Lieberman's support is crucial. Described as a "skilled and very sophisticated politician" by former Deputy Foreign Minister Dani Ayalon, Lieberman's past suggests a complex political trajectory.
Lieberman, who has served in numerous senior roles including Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Finance, has never held the position of Prime Minister. His political career, which began after immigrating to Israel at age 20, saw a meteoric rise from a dockworker to director-general of the Likud party and later director-general of the Prime Minister's Office under Benjamin Netanyahu. However, an investigation, which was later closed, led to his departure from the PMO.
After leaving the Likud, Lieberman founded Yisrael Beiteinu, a secular liberal party appealing to immigrants from the former Soviet Union, often taking a strong stance on the right of the political map. He has been a frequent partner and opponent of Netanyahu, with their alliance famously fracturing over disagreements on the conscription law for Haredim and the handling of the Gaza conflict, leading to early elections.
Lieberman's current stance is to end Netanyahu's tenure, and he has vetoed the inclusion of Arab parties in a potential government. While he has been a vocal opponent of the Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, analysts suggest he may compromise to avoid further elections. "He will eventually compromise," predicted Ayalon, noting Lieberman's desire to avoid being blamed for dragging the country into another election. Eli Avidar, however, believes Lieberman has a sense of responsibility and will not lead the country into chaos.