Avigdor Lieberman Says Mansour Abbas Explained Why He Can't Join Zionist Coalition

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, addressed the controversy surrounding Mansour Abbas, head of the Ra'am party, following Abbas's recent remarks about the Jewish state. Lieberman, who previously served in a government supported by Ra'am, stated that Abbas himself clarified why he cannot be part of a Zionist or national coalition, nor is a minority government with Ra'am feasible.

The political storm erupted after Abbas posted in Arabic that Ra'am was forced to accept recognition of a Jewish state solely to avoid disqualification from running in the Knesset elections. This statement drew sharp criticism from right-wing parties, including Otzma Yehudit, which announced intentions to seek Ra'am's disqualification from the elections. Other ministers and Knesset members also argued that Abbas's comments demonstrate Ra'am's incompatibility with future coalition governments.

Lieberman's remarks came amid a silence from other political figures such as Gadi Eizenkot and Naftali Bennett, who had not yet publicly responded to Abbas's statements. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over Ra'am's role in Israeli politics and the challenges of forming coalitions that include Arab parties.