Lieberman Emerges as Key Player in Forming Israel's 'Change Bloc'
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role in forming Israel's "change bloc" coalition, despite Gadi Eisenkot holding the mandate to form the government. Lieberman, once a staunch opponent of Haredi parties, is now seen as a key negotiator, potentially seeking a central role in the next government. His strategic maneuvering has surprised many, with analysts debating his ultimate political objectives and whether he aims to be a kingmaker or even prime minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly managing the "change bloc" coalition behind the scenes.
- Gadi Eisenkot officially holds the mandate to form the next Israeli government.
- Lieberman's current role contrasts sharply with his past opposition to Haredi parties.
- Analysts debate whether Lieberman seeks to be a kingmaker or prime minister.
- His political strategy has shifted significantly from previous stances.
Since the election results were finalized, Avigdor Lieberman has seemingly taken the reins of the "change bloc," a coalition of parties opposed to the incumbent government. While Gadi Eisenkot holds the official mandate to form the next government, Lieberman is reportedly the behind-the-scenes strategist, pushing for agreements, setting boundaries, and attempting to bring order to the still-forming coalition.
"Without Avigdor Lieberman, there is no change bloc right now, so the event is very dependent on Avigdor Lieberman," explained former Yisrael Beiteinu Knesset Member Robert Ilatov. This marks a significant political shift for Lieberman, who in 2019 dismantled alliances with the right, refused to join governments with Haredi parties, and campaigned fiercely against them, stating, "We will not be partners in a government of Halakha."
Now, Lieberman is positioned as a central figure in building the next coalition, even working with parties he previously engaged in intense political battles with. Political analyst Moran Azulai suggested, "Lieberman actually wants to shorten the training period for the heart of the right, wants to position himself as a right-wing leader, and on the way there he must give up the Arab parties and agrees to pay the price for the Haredi parties."
Questions linger about Lieberman's ultimate goals. Is he aiming to be the "responsible adult" of the bloc, the one holding the keys to political connections, or does he understand that true power lies in dictating who joins the government and under what terms? Journalist Amnon Lord believes Lieberman "wants to be in the status of a key player and have everything depend on him, to be the most sought-after poker card." Former Interior Minister Ophir Pines-Paz speculated, "It could be that he thinks he will pressure Eisenkot to the end, and in the end Eisenkot will compromise and give him a rotation and he will be prime minister."
While Lieberman has made sharp political moves before, his transition from a confrontational stance against Haredi parties to seeking a basis for renewed cooperation is particularly noteworthy. As author and media critic Hanan Amiur summarized, "He is an enigmatic person, Avigdor Lieberman. We don't know what his plan is at all, what real motivations it serves, we have no idea."
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