Yisrael Beitenu party leader Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman announced his party does not disqualify teaming with any political party. However, he will not enter a coalition that wishes to abolish the chareidi draft or the new Giyur Law that facilities conversions.
Lieberman launched his campaign on Thursday morning 24 Teves, telling the press that his goal is 16 seats in the upcoming elections. He told reporters that he remains confident as he is aware the situation will change drastically in the coming weeks – a month from now.
When asked about the cherem against the chareidi parties in the last Knesset, the minister stated “We are not disqualifying sitting with any party. The time has come to stop this behavior. I have not committed to anyone. I want to see the guidelines for the next government. If they are heading to negotiations with Abu Mazen then I have nothing to look for in that coalition. We will not be there. On the other hand, political fixation will not help us as we support initiative”.
Lieberman addressed reports that in recent weeks, the prime minister has been in touch with chareidi parties regarding the chareidi draft law. He explained he will not sit in a coalition that plans to abolish that law or the new giyur law.
Lieberman promises that half of the party’s lineup will be new faces, persons who have worked their way up the party ladder.
Regarding the ongoing Israel Police investigation involving a number of senior party officials, Lieberman stated “The police have a right to investigation and anyone who is guilty will pay the price”. He explains his issues surround the timing of the investigation going public and the fact that the suspects are being convicted in the media before being charged with a crime.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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Which of course would require either a left coalition (dominated by Labor and Meretz), or a “grand alliance” (Likud-Labor coalition) or a Likud-Centrist coalition in which Kahlon and Lapid play a major role.
The “settlement movement” woujld like a Likud–Bayit Yehudi coaltion, but without including the hareidim it requires adding left wing, anti-settlement, parties.
When police investigate politicians in Israel they get MORE votes because of that. Go figure. Only in Israel
No one is abolishing the DRAFT for all, sanctions will be erased & exemptions will be added.
Charedim are joining the IDF at their pace & receiving benefits of education & $$ incentives. The goals of KLAL Yisrael are expanding, including a crown title of “Baal habatim” & askanim ALSO in the holy land.
The policy backfired and has reversed the trend of increased Chareidi participation in the IDF. Foolish politicians get stuck in nonsense positions and don’t look at the results of their actions.
Also, all the conditions people place on joining the coalition would make it impossible to form a government.