Avigdor Lieberman’s right-wing Yisrael Beitenu Party continues to gain momentum according to all election polls. The opposition party according to pollsters will emerge from the general election with 15 seats. Many analysts state the numbers underestimate his growing popularity and by most predictions, following the February 10th general election, Lieberman will be in line to demand a senior security-related cabinet post as he indicates he plans to do. In the past, on occasion, Lieberman stated he would demand the Public Security portfolio, responsible for Israel Police.

It must be remembered that Lieberman is no new comer to the political arena and he is well attuned to the ins and outs of Knesset life. In addition, in the early days of his career, he served as director-general of the Prime Minister’s Office, serving under then Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who according to many is the most likely to win the premiership race. According to reports, the two maintain a good working relationship.

In a statement released on Shabbos, Likud hopeful Moshe Ayalon stated he does not agree with Lieberman’s ways. Ayalon, a former IDF chief of staff entered Likud along with a large number of notables, with many hoping to serve as ministers in a Netanyahu-led government. Ayalon is hoping to become the nation’s next defense minister.

Responding to the former IDF commander’s comment, Lieberman stated this just confirms his stress emerging from the fact that a strong Yisrael Beitenu would complicate Ayalon’s bid for the senior cabinet post.

Lieberman added that his party does not symbolize Jews against Arabs, but supporters of terror against those unwilling to tolerate continued Islamic terrorism.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)