By all accounts, Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman is a seasoned politician, one who has a keen ability to read the political map.

Likud is fuming today, Thursday, after Lieberman’s party on Wednesday prevent approving Likud MK Reuven Rivlin as Knesset speaker. Even more frustrating for the incoming premier is the fact that the only party to sign an agreement to date in Yisrael Beitenu, but Lieberman is unwilling to appoint Rivlin just yet, explaining “there are no free rides”.

Lieberman is aware there is still a chance that Kadima and/or Labor may join the coalition. Should this actualize, he knows he will not be able to hold on to all of his cabinet and committee chair posts and therefore, he is unwilling to approve the speaker slot, which cannot be reversed if the coalition realities change.

Therefore, Lieberman is waiting to see what develops, perhaps to challenge Likud’s control of the speaker position if the coalition expands in the coming days.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)