Despite rumors that MK Avigdor Lieberman, Chairman of the Yisrael Beitenu party will enter into a minority government with the Blue & White party, supported by the Joint Arab list from the opposition, he labeled the Arab party “irrelevant” in a TV news interview on Wednesday night.

Speaking with News12 on Wednesday evening, following a day of rocket fire into Israel from Gaza and Arab lawmakers in Israel calling Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu “a liar” for his statements against them, Lieberman stated “They are irrelevant” when asked repeatedly if he would rely on them to enter into a minority government.

Lieberman explained that the reason Blue & White and the Likud party are not entering into a coalition government is simply because they cannot reach agreement regarding the rotation of the premiership. He added that Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri and President Reuven Rivlin expressed a willingness to act as guarantors that PM Netanyahu will step down when his rotation ends, but for the time being, the sides remain deadlocked. Lieberman insists “The issue is not one of ideology, but simply about the rotation agreement”.

He spoke out strongly about avoiding a third round of elections, insisting agreement can be reached. Regarding the chareidim, Lieberman added “I have nothing against chareidim, but I do oppose religious coercion, and this has to come to an end”.

He would not say however “I will not enter into agreement with the Joint Arab List”, as he referred to them as the “Enemy from within” and “a fifth column”, citing repeatedly “They are irrelevant”, insisting his remarks were sufficiently clear for all to understand.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)