Lieberman Rejects Coalition with Arab Parties, Citing 'Terror Supporters'

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has reiterated his refusal to join a coalition government that includes Arab parties, following a statement by Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yesh! party, expressing intent to form a new government. Lieberman stated on social media that his party will not sit with "terror supporters." He cited specific instances, including MK Ofer Cassif's alleged support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where Cassif reportedly claimed the Israeli army engages in "terrorist acts." Lieberman also pointed to claims that MK Yasser Hijrat of Ra'am stated Hamas is not a terror organization but a charity, and that MK Osama Saadi of the Joint List dedicated election night gains to "our people in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem," while singing the Palestinian national anthem. Lieberman declared, "Whoever wants to lean on terror supporters, so be it. Yisrael Beiteinu will not be there."

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid commented on the election results, acknowledging the lack of a clear, immediate victory. He described the outcome as a win "on points," emphasizing the difficulty of the task ahead in forming a government. Lapid urged patience, hinting that significant developments are occurring behind the scenes, stating, "If you want to know if something is happening behind the quiet you are hearing now, the answer is yes."