developing· Politics· Updated 18:35

Lieberman Rules Out Arab Parties, Minority Government Coalitions

On Thursday 15 October 2026, Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Liberman announced that his party will not support any minority government, even as a temporary or transitional solution. Speaking at an Israel Democracy Institute conference and on social media, Liberman declared his intention to form a coalition composed exclusively of Zionist parties.

6 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 13:58

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What happened

01Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Liberman announced on Thursday 15 October 2026 that he will not support any minority government, even temporarily.
02Liberman stated his party will only form a coalition composed exclusively of Zionist parties.
03The proposed coalition would exclude Arab and Haredi parties, specifically Ra'am, the Joint List, Shas, and United Torah Judaism.
04According to Kikar HaShabbat, Liberman's refusal to support a minority government blocks the potential prime minister's path to the premiership.
05Liberman ruled out joining any government that includes Benjamin Netanyahu under any circumstances.
06He indicated that Likud could be a partner in a future coalition, provided Netanyahu is not its leader.
07Liberman claimed that several Likud Knesset members would be willing to join a Zionist coalition to secure a majority.

This stance explicitly excludes Arab and Haredi parties, specifically naming Ra'am, the Joint List, Shas, and United Torah Judaism. According to Kikar HaShabbat, this declaration effectively blocks the primary strategy of the potential prime minister, whose path to the premiership relied on the support or abstention of Arab parties.

Liberman stated that the Likud party could be a significant partner in a future coalition, but only if it is not led by Benjamin Netanyahu. He firmly rejected any government that includes Netanyahu, stating his party would not sit with him under any circumstances. Liberman expressed confidence that a solid majority could be formed after the elections, claiming that several Likud Knesset members recognize the current situation and would be willing to join a Zionist coalition.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 18:37