Lieberman Sets Coalition Priorities, Opposes Early Judicial Overhaul

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has outlined his priorities for the incoming Knesset, stating that the immediate tasks should be replacing the Knesset speaker, appointing a state comptroller, and enacting a law limiting the prime minister to two terms. He explicitly stated that repealing judicial overhaul laws passed by the outgoing government should come later. This stance has drawn criticism from within the opposition bloc, with senior officials accusing Lieberman of "thwarting their election promises" and not cooperating.

Lieberman responded to the criticism, calling it "a witch hunt of stupidity and malice" and reiterated his proposed order of operations. He claimed to have stated his priorities before the election was even over, emphasizing that anyone suggesting a different order is "simply an idiot."

Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu and the United Torah Judaism party met, expressing confidence in their ability to form a stable four-year government. However, United Torah Judaism announced they would not join a proposal to replace the Knesset speaker at the opening session, arguing that such a change should coincide with the government's formation, not the Knesset's establishment, to avoid a situation where the speaker opposes the government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video calling for a unity government that includes all Zionist and Haredi parties, without mentioning a rotation of the premiership. A senior Shas party official stated that they had not received instructions to cooperate with replacing the Knesset speaker.

Previously, it was revealed that secret negotiations were underway for a coalition deal between Yisrael Beiteinu and the Haredi parties. This potential agreement aims to bring the Haredi parties into the "change bloc" in exchange for concessions on sensitive core issues, including a complete reversal of the policy on yeshiva student conscription and an immediate halt to arrests of Haredi draft dodgers. A special committee would also be formed to re-examine military and civilian service for all populations.