Liberman draws the line: 'I didn't promise anyone'

Avigdor Liberman said he did not promise safe seats to new members of Yisrael Beiteinu. The party has attracted prominent figures, but according to polls it will get about 10 mandates. Liberman will not interfere in the formation of the list, trusting the committee.

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party (NDI), said he did not promise a safe spot on the party list to any of the public and security figures who recently joined the party. He made this statement on Sunday in a conversation with the Srugim publication. According to polls, Yisrael Beiteinu can count on about 10 mandates, while the number of current lawmakers and new participants vying for spots is significantly higher. Among the newcomers are Knesset member Dan Ilouz and reserve colonel Talia Lankri. Liberman stressed that everyone understood their position on the list would be determined later, as part of the list-building procedure. Some of those who joined, he said, do not expect a safe spot at all but merely want to publicly express support for the party. Separately, Liberman said that this time he will not interfere in the recommendations of the party's permanent committee and will not use his veto power, unlike in previous campaigns. He promised to accept the list formed by the committee without changes. Previously, he had intervened in decisions proposed by committee chairman Alex Dobronski, but over time it turned out that Dobronski was right and Liberman was wrong.

Liberman draws the line: 'I didn't promise anyone'