Chairman of the Kulanu party Minister Moshe Kahlon and chairman of the Yisrael Beitenu party Minister Avigdor Lieberman have both announced they would not enter a coalition government headed by Avi Gabbai, the newly-elected chairman of the Machane Tzioni party. Gabbai, who was in the current coalition, serving as a cabinet minister, and quit his cabinet post and Knesset after his party would not resign from the coalition in protest over the appointment of Lieberman as Defense Minister.

Kahlon explains that Gabbai was a member of his founding team and appointed to a cabinet post and then left, only to run for the leadership of Machane Tzioni, emerging with success in hand. However, Kahlon feels such behavior is inappropriate. Kahlon told Channel 2 News, “I am not angry, but disappointed with his conduct”.

Lieberman echoed Kahlon’s words, that he party would not enter a coalition headed by Gabbai, to whom he refers as being “Irrelevant”. He adds that he was opposed to the Disengagement Plan and removal of the communities from Gaza and N. Shomron and therefore, he would not join a left-wing coalition headed by Gabbai. Lieberman is confident if both parties refuse to enter a coalition with Gabbai, he cannot build a coalition.

“Because of a thousand and one reasons, these two parties will never live in his government. He is simply irrelevant, he has no chance and can erase it from the lexicon, “added Lieberman.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)