Channel 12 reported that Lieberman has largely severed communications with key opposition figures, refusing calls from Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett. This silence comes as politicians attempt to forge a national unity government that excludes Palestinian-led factions. With preliminary counts exceeding 90 percent, Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu is expected to control seven parliamentary seats. The party's projected numbers make his strict red lines a significant hurdle for coalition arithmetic.
Key points
The communication blackout threatens cross-party attempts to form a national unity govern…: The communication blackout threatens cross-party attempts to form a national unity government without relying on Palestinian-led parties.
Lieberman's stance leaves him unaligned after ruling out coalitions led by Netanyahu or t…: Lieberman's stance leaves him unaligned after ruling out coalitions led by Netanyahu or those involving Palestinian factions.
Seven projected seats give Yisrael Beitenu substantial leverage in determining whether an…: Seven projected seats give Yisrael Beitenu substantial leverage in determining whether any viable parliamentary majority can emerge.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
A former ally turned opponent of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped taking calls from opposition leaders amid efforts to form a “national unity” government and avoid relying on Palestinian-led parties, according to Channel 12
The broadcaster reported on Wednesday that Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, had largely cut off contact with his opposition counterparts.
He has reportedly ignored calls from Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, and former prime minister Naftali Bennett, leader of B’Yachad (Together).
Lieberman’s party is projected to win seven seats. He has previously ruled out joining a government led by Netanyahu or one that includes Palestinian-led parties.
With more than 90 percent of votes counted, preliminary results point to a deadlock between Netanyahu’s outgoing bloc and the Zionist opposition.
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