Avigdor Lieberman Demands Prime Minister Role in Potential Minority Government

Behind the scenes of Israel's opposition bloc, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has issued a firm ultimatum to fellow opposition leaders. According to reports by Yaara Shapira on Kan News, Lieberman demanded to take the lead in governing if a minority government is formed to replace Benjamin Netanyahu. This demand was made during two separate private meetings held weeks ago with leaders from other parties in the opposition bloc.

In these meetings, the opposition leaders discussed the possibility of establishing a temporary minority government whose sole purpose would be to remove Netanyahu from power and then dissolve the Knesset for new elections. However, Lieberman was not willing to accept a minor role in this arrangement. He insisted, "If this is the scenario, it is my turn to be prime minister."

Lieberman's unexpected condition has caused significant tension among the opposition factions and raises serious doubts about their ability to agree on a leader to head a transitional government. This disagreement complicates efforts to unify the bloc around a strategy to oust Netanyahu, even if the government formed would be short-lived and solely focused on triggering new elections.