Liberman Backs Eisenkot for PM, Shuts Door on Netanyahu
Avigdor Liberman supports Gadi Eisenkot for Prime Minister and Yair Lapid for Knesset Speaker, while firmly ruling out any coalition with Netanyahu.
In a move that clarifies the fractured political landscape following the Knesset elections, Yisrael Beytenu party leader Avigdor Liberman has officially thrown his weight behind Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot for the role of Prime Minister. Liberman also confirmed his support for Opposition Leader Yair Lapid to serve as the Knesset Speaker, signaling a coordinated effort to establish an anti-Netanyahu front.
No Room for Netanyahu
Speaking at a press briefing, Liberman was unequivocal about his stance regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He ruled out any possibility of joining a government led by Netanyahu, regardless of the terms. This includes rejecting the idea of a rotation agreement—where Liberman might have served as Prime Minister first—stating he would not serve in such a government under any circumstances.
Liberman revealed that since the elections, he has been approached by coalition leaders with "the strangest proposals," though he clarified that he has not met with Netanyahu personally. Even a high-level attempt by a delegation of Likud mayors, including Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon, failed to sway him. The delegation argued that a Netanyahu-led government would be best for Israel's social cohesion and economy, but Liberman dismissed these claims, stating simply, "I don't trust Netanyahu. He needs to go."
Criticism of the 'Egotistical' Campaign
Despite his endorsement of Gadi Eisenkot, Liberman did not hold back his criticism of the Yashar leader's strategy. He accused Eisenkot of running an "egotistical" campaign that focused on making Yashar the largest single party rather than building the strongest possible bloc.
Liberman lamented the election results, noting that the bloc consisting of Yisrael Beytenu, Yashar, B'Yachad, and the Democrats secured only 48 mandates—a figure he described as far lower than expected. He argued that Eisenkot's approach ultimately harmed his political partners more than it hindered their opponents.
The Path to Power: Defectors and Deadlocks
The road to forming a government remains fraught with challenges. Liberman expressed strong opposition to a minority government that would rely on Arab-led parties, warning that such a coalition would "survive less than a year." When questioned on how a government could be formed without relying on Arab or Haredi parties, Liberman suggested that the solution might lie within the enemy camp.
"Maybe we'll get defectors from Likud," Liberman suggested, adding that his party has the patience to wait.
He emphasized that the immediate priority is taking command of the Knesset and replacing the speaker. Liberman also rejected proposals for direct elections for Prime Minister, asserting that his primary goal is to establish a government quickly to avoid repeat elections, which he labeled the "worst possible option."
Rising Tensions and Political Pressure
The political atmosphere has grown increasingly volatile. The Yashar party recently criticized the "spirit emanating from Netanyahu's office" following a protest at Gadi Eisenkot's home, where demonstrators used the provocative slogan, "You murdered your son."
Adding to the momentum for Eisenkot, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's 'B’Yachad' faction has also declared its support, announcing it will recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog to form the next government. This comes as President Herzog has urged all political leaders to accept the election results and find creative solutions to break the deadlock and prevent yet another trip to the polls.