Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, announced on Monday his backing for Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot in the effort to form a new government after the October 27 legislative elections. This decision is considered pivotal as it strengthens the likelihood that Eisenkot will be the first to receive a mandate from Israeli President Isaac Herzog to construct the executive branch.
The seven lawmakers from Yisrael Beitenu are expected to bolster the coalition being prepared by Eisenkot's party, Yashar!. In the recent elections, Eisenkot's formation secured 21 seats in the Knesset, making it the second most voted party, trailing only Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud, which won six more seats.
Lieberman, a prominent figure in Israeli politics who has held five different ministerial portfolios and served as deputy prime minister, leads a conservative and Zionist party that historically represented Russian-speaking immigrants. Although he was part of Eisenkot's bloc during the elections, rumors had circulated regarding a potential shift in support toward Netanyahu's camp. During a press conference, Lieberman firmly stated he has no intention of joining a coalition with Netanyahu, asserting his role as a decisive factor in forming the new executive.
Addressing speculation that he might become prime minister in a rotating government with Netanyahu, Lieberman remarked that leaders had approached him with "the strangest proposals." Additionally, he recommended that another key opposition figure, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, assume the presidency of the Knesset.
Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog has set Wednesday as the deadline for parties to hold internal discussions before he begins summoning parliamentary leaders. According to his office, Herzog will first meet with leaders of smaller parties to allow for an exhaustive analysis of all available options. On Thursday afternoon, he is scheduled to meet with the main political forces, Yashar! and Likud.
Once the round of consultations concludes, along with any other necessary talks, the President will announce the Knesset member tasked with forming the government. Under the Basic Law, this individual has 28 days to present the new government. The presidential office noted that if more time is required, the President is legally authorized to grant an extension of up to 14 additional days.
Sources: Observador.