"We will not allow a festival of illusions": warning from Lieberman's party

Avigdor Lieberman warns that he will not allow the formation of a government relying on Arab parties and is ready for a compromise with the ultra-Orthodox. Ynet's parliamentary correspondent analyzes his strategy, parallels with 2019, and the possible impact on coalition negotiations.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has once again become a key figure in Israeli politics after the elections. He warns that he will not allow the formation of a government relying on Arab parties and instead is ready for a compromise with the ultra-Orthodox. Ynet's parliamentary correspondent Yuval Karni analyzes the situation, drawing parallels with 2019, when Lieberman thwarted Netanyahu's coalition over the conscription law. Currently, Lieberman supports Gadi Eisenkot's candidacy for prime minister but does not rule out that he himself could head the government if Eisenkot and Netanyahu fail. The party believes that the ultra-Orthodox press is leaning toward a change of course and supporting the change bloc. Lieberman, heading the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, could advance the conscription law, giving him leverage over the ultra-Orthodox.