Avigdor Lieberman Rules Out Coalition with Shas Amid Gadi Eisenkot's Party Talks

Amid growing closeness between Shas and Gadi Eisenkot's party Yisrael Yesh, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Union, declared on Monday that they will not join a government that includes Shas. This statement follows recent mutual compliments exchanged between Shas leaders and Eisenkot. Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef remarked in a Saturday night sermon that while Benjamin Netanyahu has no chance of repentance, Eisenkot might. Eisenkot himself described Shas as a party with Zionist elements.

Lieberman emphasized his firm stance against sitting in the same government as Shas, citing Shas's position on partial exemptions from military service. He stated, "Without a universal conscription law, we will not join the coalition." However, Lieberman expressed respect for Eisenkot, acknowledging his right to run for office and underscoring the need to replace the current government formed after October 7.

Yair Golan echoed Lieberman's position on social media, affirming that none of the parties from the October 7 coalition would be part of any new government they form. The statements highlight the political tensions as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming elections, with a focus on military service policies and coalition partnerships.