Full coverage· Politics· Updated 14:27

Lieberman Rejects Arab Party Support, Defends Ultra-Orthodox Conscription Deal

Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman defended his willingness to compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties on the Haredi draft law, stating on Sunday that readiness for compromise does not mean abandoning principles. Lieberman explained that difficult decisions are necessary in the current political reality to prevent further elections and end the tenure of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

4 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 13:55

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What happened

01Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman defended his willingness to negotiate a compromise on the Haredi draft law to prevent new elections.
02Lieberman unequivocally ruled out supporting or forming a government reliant on the Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List.
03He suggested his 2018 conscription bill, updated for post-October 7 realities, could serve as the basis for a draft agreement.
04Lieberman accused critics of fabricating conspiracy theories and harboring racist undertones regarding his outreach to ultra-Orthodox parties.
05According to Hamal, Lieberman stated that members of the Arab parties publicly identify with the terrorist organization Hamas.
06The political maneuvering comes as National Unity leader Gadi Eisenkot prepares to receive the mandate to form a new government.
07Lieberman denied any personal ambition for the premiership, stating his primary goal is ending the tenure of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lieberman strongly rejected forming a government reliant on Arab parties, specifically naming Ra'am and the Joint List. He criticized commentators and journalists who oppose his outreach to Haredi parties, accusing them of fabricating conspiracy theories and preferring a coalition supported by Arab parties. According to Hamal, Lieberman stated that members of these Arab parties publicly identify with Hamas and accuse Israel of severe crimes.

To resolve the conscription issue, Lieberman suggested that a draft law he advanced in 2018, adjusted for post-October 7 realities, could serve as a basis for agreement. He denied seeking the premiership out of personal ambition, emphasizing that his actions prioritize the welfare of the country. His remarks come amid ongoing coalition negotiations as National Unity party leader Gadi Eisenkot prepares to receive the mandate to form a government.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 21:11

Latest report: Arab48. Read Arab48’s original

Who reports what

“Some critics of his attempts to reach understandings with Haredi parties are the same people who prefer to form a government relying on Ra'am and the Joint List.”

per Avigdor Lieberman

4 of 4 newsrooms

“Members of the Joint List and Ra'am publicly identify with Hamas, calling it a charity organization, and accusing Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity.”

per Avigdor Lieberman

2 of 4 newsrooms · not Hamal, Ynet

“The political moves he is making are not driven by personal ambition to become prime minister at any cost.”

per Avigdor Lieberman

3 of 4 newsrooms · not Ynet

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