Avigdor Liberman Rules Out Minority Government Partnership, Demands No Exemptions for Haredi Draft

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, sent a clear message on August 17, 2026, to Gadi Eizenkot and the broader opposition camp that his party will not join any minority government following the October elections. Responding to reports that Eizenkot might accept a coalition with fewer than 60 Knesset seats, Liberman stated on X that Yisrael Beiteinu will not participate in any minority government constellation under any circumstances. He emphasized that there are non-negotiable issues for his party, regardless of whether he serves as prime minister or minister.

Liberman also addressed internal tensions within the anti-Netanyahu bloc, dismissing rumors of conflicting alliances as outright lies. He outlined six key points his party insists on, including the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, to be conducted strictly according to existing law without alterations.

He further demanded the enactment of a universal conscription law applying equally to Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians, with no exemptions granted to any individuals or groups, explicitly rejecting proposals to exempt 30% of Haredi youth from military service. Additionally, Liberman called for mandatory core curriculum studies, including Bible and civics, in all government-supported educational institutions, with funding withheld from schools that do not comply.

The remaining demands include instituting a two-term limit for prime ministers, appointing an expert committee to draft a constitution alongside a public referendum on its approval, and adopting a new security doctrine that rejects the "territories for peace" principle and establishes a missile corps.