Lieberman Rules Out Coalition With Netanyahu, Arab Parties

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has reiterated his refusal to join a coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that his party will not sit with "Bibi, Tibi, Der'i, or Goldknopf." Lieberman made these remarks at a meeting of his party's branch leaders on Thursday, emphasizing that his pre-election positions remain valid post-election. He also extended his refusal to include Arab parties, which would be necessary for a potential minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, though he acknowledged such a government is unlikely.

Lieberman further clarified his stance in a Facebook post, stating that Yisrael Beiteinu will only join a coalition composed of "Zionist parties, including the Likud without Bibi." He outlined two non-negotiable conditions for any future government: the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry and the passage of a universal conscription law. He indicated that any coalition not prioritizing these issues would be irrelevant to his party.

Following the election, which resulted in a lead for Netanyahu's bloc but no clear majority, efforts are underway to form a government. Netanyahu is reportedly seeking "defectors" from opposition parties or entire parties like Yisrael Beiteinu. Meanwhile, leaders from the "change bloc" are meeting to coordinate strategies, including a potential move to replace the Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana.

Lieberman had previously criticized Netanyahu's election campaign tactics, comparing him to the head of a crime organization and calling for an internal rebellion within the Likud to replace him. He urged Likud members to publicly voice their dissent, arguing that Netanyahu has "destroyed the national camp."