In a Sunday morning interview with Israel Radio’s Reshet Bet, Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman announced the platform for the incoming government will be based on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Bar-Ilan address.

The statement signals Lieberman’s support for the two-state solution, taking some by surprise. Nevertheless, the move is viewed as delivering a blow to Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni, for the most senior partner to Likud announced that the Bar Ilan address, where Mr. Netanyahu officially announced Likud’s support for the two-state solution as the basis for the coalition that will be formed following the upcoming general elections. Many believe Lieberman was compelled to make the announcement by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who is aware that the Likud/ Beitenu list continues to lose support in the polls.

Some feel that Lieberman’s statement will further add to the popularity of HaBayit HaYehudi and Naftali Bennett, who in recent weeks has continued to gain as he closes in on the second place Labor Party.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)