Liberman Rejects Coalition with Arab Parties, Hindering Change Bloc's Majority Bid
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Avigdor Liberman, Chairman of Yisrael Beitenu, has ruled out joining a government that includes Arab parties, complicating efforts by the Change bloc to secure a governing majority following recent elections.
Avigdor Liberman, Chairman of Yisrael Beitenu, has firmly rejected the possibility of joining a coalition government with Arab parties, presenting a significant challenge for the Change bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot in their quest for a governing majority after the recent elections. In a Facebook post, Liberman stated, "We will not sit with supporters of terrorism!"
Neither the Change bloc nor the Netanyahu bloc achieved the 61 Knesset seats required for a majority. While some members of the Change bloc have shown openness to including Arab parties in a government, Liberman insists that Yisrael Beitenu will only participate in a coalition comprised solely of Zionist parties. He cited concerns over the actions and statements of certain Arab lawmakers, including Ofer Cassif's support for legal proceedings against Israel initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, which accused Israel of genocide. Liberman also referenced comments made by Ra’am MK Yasser Hujirat regarding Hamas and events during the Joint List’s election-night gathering.
Liberman's stance diminishes the chances for the anti-Netanyahu bloc to form a government, particularly given the willingness of some Change bloc members to collaborate with Arab parties, which Yisrael Beitenu categorically opposes.