Gantz Warns Lieberman May Form Coalition Relying on Arab Parties After Elections
Benny Gantz warned that Avigdor Lieberman might engineer a post-election political maneuver to form a government relying on Arab parties, while advocating instead for a broad Zionist coalition including Likud.
Benny Gantz claimed that following the upcoming elections, Avigdor Lieberman might attempt a political maneuver by merging with another party within the bloc. According to Gantz, this would create a large faction to compete with Gadi Eisenkot's party, potentially paving the way for a coalition relying on the support of Arab parties.
Gantz Warns of Post-Election Scenarios
In an interview with Gadi Nes on Radio Tzafon 104.5FM, Gantz explained that current polling numbers do not naturally support Lieberman's ambition to become prime minister without such strategic combinations. "Lieberman says he will be prime minister. I look at the numbers and realize they are engineering some sort of combination," Gantz stated. He suggested that Lieberman might merge with another faction to claim parity with Eisenkot's party within the anti-Netanyahu bloc.
"They will do it because they will do anything at any cost just to replace Netanyahu," Gantz said, warning that the bloc might ultimately rely on external backing from Arab factions.
Advocating for a Zionist Unity Government
Contrasting this with his own vision, Gantz proposed a broad, cross-bloc Zionist government led by Gadi Eisenkot that would also include the Likud party. Gantz summarized his preferred political alignment succinctly:
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Preferring a coalition including Likud rather than relying on external factions.
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Rejecting reliance on either the Arab parties or the ultra-Orthodox and extremist factions.
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Emphasizing national unity in light of security challenges following October 7.
"I say Gadi-Bibi and not Gadi-Tibi," Gantz remarked, referring to Arab lawmaker Ahmad Tibi, while reiterating that national security imperatives demand a stable and broad Zionist governance framework.
