Lieberman's Premiership Demand Threatens Alternative Government Talks
Negotiations to form an alternative Israeli government face a major hurdle as Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman reportedly demands to serve first as prime minister in a rotation agreement.
Political tension is rising within the opposition and centre-left bloc as negotiations to form an alternative government face a major hurdle. According to sources involved in the recent talks, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman is demanding to serve first as prime minister under a rotation agreement, creating an impasse.
Following the recent elections, the bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot secured 48 mandates, while Arab parties added another 19, giving the coalition a combined total of 67 seats. However, without the seven mandates held by Yisrael Beytenu, the remaining opposition factions and Arab parties fall short with only 60 seats. This numerical reality positions Lieberman as the ultimate kingmaker in the effort to establish a new governing coalition.
The Bennett Precedent and Political Leverage
Sources indicate that Lieberman's insistence on holding the premiership first is non-negotiable from his perspective, creating significant friction with larger factions that back Gadi Eisenkot. Despite Yisrael Beytenu holding only seven mandates—compared to Eisenkot's 21 and the BeYachad party's 12—Lieberman views himself as a legitimate candidate to head the government.
Insiders suggest Lieberman is seeking to replicate the 2021 political precedent set by Naftali Bennett, who assumed the premiership first in a rotation agreement with Yair Lapid despite heading a much smaller party. Furthermore, Lieberman is reportedly willing to walk back his strict pre-election campaign pledges against joining any coalition backed directly or indirectly by Arab or ultra-Orthodox factions, provided his demand for the top post is met.
Dilemma for the Opposition Bloc
While critics within the centre-left bloc warn that accepting Lieberman's demand could damage the public legitimacy of the incoming government, others acknowledge the stark reality that no alternative coalition can be formed without him.
Negotiators are currently exploring alternative formulas to satisfy Lieberman without handing him the initial premiership. Potential compromises include a shortened initial term, high-profile ministerial portfolios, expanded authority on security and economic policy, or specific policy commitments. Meanwhile, Lieberman faces a crucial choice between abandoning his campaign vows to enable a new government or blocking its formation and potentially plunging the country into another election cycle.
