Lieberman says compromise with ultra-Orthodox parties needed to form government

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman said on Sunday that his party is prepared to negotiate with ultra-Orthodox parties to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, arguing that compromise is necessary to prevent another election and to conclude Benjamin Netanyahu’s time in office.

Lieberman posted on X that “a willingness to compromise does not mean abandoning values and principles” and rejected the alternative of a coalition that would rely on Ra’am and the Joint List, claiming such an arrangement would threaten national security and could return Netanyahu to power.

He emphasized the need for “difficult decisions” and said the parties must find flexibility on specific issues. While reaffirming support for universal military conscription, Lieberman said he is ready to discuss how the policy could be applied after the recent election results.

Referencing a 2018 conscription bill drafted with the IDF and the defense establishment, he described it as a possible basis for talks, noting that the proposal would need revision in light of the October 7 attacks. Lieberman also highlighted his record as finance minister, citing a 50 percent increase in conscript soldiers’ pay and the inclusion of the “Dimensions to Studies” scholarship program in the state budget.

He denied that personal ambition to become prime minister drives his stance, stating that becoming prime minister is “an option—not an obsession.” Lieberman said he has received offers from the opposing political camp since 2019 but maintains that his actions are guided by “the well-being of the State of Israel and the People of Israel.”