Liberman urges patience on exit polls and calls for revolt within Likud

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beytenu, addressed his party after Tuesday night’s exit polls, saying the final outcome would become clearer early on Friday when special double-envelope ballots are counted. He noted that about 15 Knesset seats’ worth of votes remain uncounted and suggested the pending results could improve the party’s standing.

Liberman said the special ballots, which include votes from soldiers and other voters using unique voting arrangements, are likely to reduce the relative strength of Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties. He urged supporters to be patient until the full results are known.

He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating the prime minister “behaved today like the head of a criminal organization, crossing every red line.” Liberman also accused certain media outlets and Netanyahu’s supporters of incitement, pledging to form a “Zionist coalition” to end such actions.

"I received dozens of phone calls from Likud members," Liberman said. "This man must leave the stage, and anyone loyal to the path of Herzl, Trumpeldor and Jabotinsky must get rid of him. Raise the banner of revolt within Likud."

Liberman stopped short of outlining specific coalition plans, saying his party will wait for the official results before consulting on next steps. The speech concluded with applause as the song “You Won’t Defeat Me” played.