While the head of the Yisrael Beitenu party, MK Avigdor Lieberman, this week announced he finally sees a possible opportunity to enter the coalition government, he may not necessarily be a welcome member for all concerned.

After two years in the opposition and listening to and living the results of Lieberman’s anti-chareidi statements and policies, it would appear Yahadut Hatorah’s Moshe Gafne is not exactly ready to welcome Lieberman’s party and its six seats with open arms, despite the one-seat majority as the coalition only numbers 61 today.

Many were surprised by Gafne’s comments as it was believed the chareidim wanted Yisrael Beitenu in the coalition to add a measure of stability. However Gafne is not counted among those who feel this way.

Gafne explains “We are not friends of Lieberman. We have to make the coalition more stable? No problem, but we prefer [Labor party leader Yitzchak] Herzog enters the coalition. If we must select between Lieberman and Herzog there is nothing to discuss. We prefer Herzog. We hope this will occur”.

When asked about how they were in the same coalition in the 19th Knesset, Gafne explains there is no contradiction for it was not the chareidim that brought him on board. He added “His attitude towards certain segments of society is simply below any acceptable level. He believes his statements are advancing him politically. Doesn’t he understand that at the end his statements are hurting him? Even Lapid expressed remorse and a willingness to sit in a coalition with chareidim. Lieberman is the one who crossed acceptable lines”.

Gafne added that he, Lieberman, frequently changes his opinion and position. “He is constantly zigzagging” he added

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)