Avigdor Liberman Drops Military Draft Red Line to Oust Benjamin Netanyahu
Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman declared Friday that he is willing to compromise on military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men to help form a governing coalition without Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The shift marks a major retreat from a strict pre-election campaign demand that had previously triggered severe political deadlocks and multiple national elections.
Following the October 27 election, Netanyahu’s bloc holds 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot stands at 48 seats, with Arab parties controlling 19 seats.
Liberman wrote in his Friday statement, adding that the conscription law falls squarely within that flexible category. This pains me, and I know it pains many others. But given the range of challenges we face today, the national interest of the State of Israel and the people of Israel must come before every other consideration.
Political Realignment Opens Talks With United Torah Judaism
The sudden shift in stance immediately altered coalition arithmetic and opened the door for potential partnerships with ultra-Orthodox factions. N12 Amit Segal reported Thursday that Liberman had lifted his veto on partnering with haredi parties, noting that his 2018 conscription proposal could serve as a viable framework for negotiations. United Torah Judaism (UTJ) chairman Yaakov Asher welcomed the apparent change in position during statements.
It is encouraging to discover the flexibility of all the political players on the conscription issue,
Asher said, while noting that no formal coalition offer had yet been extended. UTJ notably chose to abstain from recommending a candidate for prime minister to President Isaac Herzog, distancing the party from Netanyahu and aiding opposition efforts.
Bringing Shas and United Torah Judaism into an opposition-led camp would theoretically secure a narrow 61-seat majority. A potential coalition led by Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot alongside UTJ would initially hold 55 seats, reducing Netanyahu’s bloc to 46 seats and creating pathways for a minority administration.
Liberman Denies Rotating Premiership Talks Amid Past Coalition Conflicts
Liberman’s reversal carries profound political weight given his past actions. In 2019, his absolute refusal to compromise on military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox seminary students torpedoed coalition talks and forced repeated elections. For years, he denounced draft evaders and categorized haredi and Arab parties as non-Zionist elements unfit for government partnerships.
Despite softening his stance on the draft, Liberman pushed back against other persistent rumors surrounding the ongoing negotiations. He explicitly denied discussing any rotating premiership arrangement, stating he had not spoken about a rotation with anyone, not even myself.
He argued that whoever successfully forms a government must receive full authority for the entire parliamentary term to prevent quick collapses.
Yisrael Beiteinu officials disputed early reports regarding immediate pacts, maintaining that official party positions remained unchanged outside of Friday’s formal written declaration. Meanwhile, anti-Netanyahu factions continue efforts to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to gain tighter control over parliamentary proceedings before a new government takes shape.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Coalition Negotiations
How many seats does the opposition need to form a stable government?
A standard majority coalition requires 61 seats in the Knesset. While an initial bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot including United Torah Judaism would reach 55 seats, Liberman insists on securing a full 61-seat coalition without relying on Arab party abstentions.
What specific conscription proposal is currently under discussion?
Channel 12 reported that Liberman’s 2018 conscription proposal could serve as a basis for negotiations.
What were Avigdor Liberman’s stated red lines for joining a coalition?
Liberman has called for a coalition of 61 lawmakers without the Arab parties and a government without Benjamin Netanyahu.
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