Avigdor Lieberman Rules Out Coalition With Shas Over Partial Draft Exemptions

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, responded sharply to remarks made by Gadi Eizenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and head of the Yisrael! party, in an exclusive interview with Kikar HaShabbat. Lieberman made it clear that his party will not join any coalition that includes Shas, the ultra-Orthodox party, especially if it supports partial military draft exemptions for Haredi Jews. "Anyone building a coalition with Shas should not count on Yisrael Beiteinu," Lieberman declared at the start of a party meeting.

Lieberman emphasized his party's firm stance on the military draft, stating that there can be no exemptions for any segment of the Haredi population. "We want a Zionist and state-oriented coalition. The current coalition is anti-state, anti-Zionist, and anti-Jewish," he said. He insisted that the first law demanded from any coalition partner must be a universal draft law without exceptions, adding, "No exemptions for three and a half percent, four hundred, four, or a quarter of a person. Draft law for all. Period."

In contrast, Gadi Eizenkot had expressed a more conciliatory view toward Shas, noting that many of its voters serve in the military and that the party has broad Zionist components. He proposed a draft outline allowing 3% of Haredim to be exempted, with the rest required to serve in the IDF or national civilian service. Eizenkot also called on Shas to commit to three fundamental principles, including acceptance of the draft law, to be considered a coalition partner.

Lieberman's comments underscore the deep divisions within Israeli politics over the military draft and the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in government coalitions. The dispute highlights the challenges in forming a stable government that balances religious and secular interests. The Yisrael Beiteinu leader’s ultimatum signals a hardening stance ahead of coalition negotiations.