Lieberman Appointed Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Amid Knesset Turmoil

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has been appointed the temporary chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This appointment followed a heated first session of the Arrangements Committee, during which MK Tali Gottlieb was removed. Lieberman's party had previously conditioned its participation in a government on the exclusion of ultra-Orthodox parties, but he was seen meeting with United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher, with Asher's office stating Lieberman "came to accompany him for coffee."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Shas chairman Arie Deri for the first time since the elections, as efforts continue to form a government. Lieberman, who has stated he opposes a minority government supported by Ra'am and will not join a unity government with Netanyahu, now heads the influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

The Arrangements Committee's approval of committee compositions marked a success for Gadi Eisenkot's efforts to form a government, with 63 MKs supporting the proposal and 50 opposing. The session itself was marked by significant disruptions, including MK Erez Tadmor being accused of stealing military equipment during his service and MK Gottlieb being removed after an exchange with MK Naama Lazimi regarding Netanyahu's hair color.

Netanyahu continues to advocate for a unity government under his leadership, stating, "This nation knows how to unite in moments of trial. This is the hour's command and the will of the majority of the people." The committee appointments, including Lieberman as chairman of Foreign Affairs and Defense and Liran Avishar Ben-Horin as chair of the Finance Committee, were approved by vote.