Speaking to the media, Yahadut Hatorah MK Yaakov Asher spoke out against Yisrael Beitenu party chairman, MK Avigdor Lieberman, explaining “Lieberman must always speak out when it comes to elections”.

Asher explained that once coalition talks began, it became clear that Lieberman was intent on bringing down Netanyahu. I say to Lieberman’s denunciation that, “We are not going to fight with him, and will won’t turn him into Yair Lapid. He doesn’t hate but he uses people who were his friends. He liked to speak in Yiddish to have cholent and go to the rabbonim, but now, he is walking on our heads”.

He reiterated that the chareidim will not sit in the same government with Lapid as a matter of ideology, as Lapid is trying to compel his agenda on the chareidim. With Lieberman however, the chareidim would sit in the same government with him because he does not bother them. “We won’t forgive Lieberman on the political level – but I do not have a problem with him ideologically,” added Asher.

Asher also referenced remarks made recently by MK (URWP) Betzalel Smotrich, calling for a state run in line with halacha. His remarks were also criticized by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. “When Moshiach will arrive, there will be a state run by halacha. The use of these terms border on messianism and a lack of seichel (common sense). They harm us. We are certainly in favor of halacha. But when you are in the state and Knesset, you are sent to worry about your tzibur and maintain the status quo”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)