Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman stated Monday that his party is willing to have Likud as a coalition partner — but only without Benjamin Netanyahu at its head, according to his remarks relayed by Ynet.
Avigdor Liberman on Monday issued a conditional opening to a potential coalition with Likud, stating his Yisrael Beytenu party would accept a partnership — but only if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not the Likud leader. Liberman's remarks, carried by Ynet, represent a notable shift from his previous categorical rejection of any coalition with Likud while Netanyahu heads it.
The statement comes as coalition negotiations remain deadlocked, with no clear path to a majority government after the March 2026 election. The remark gives Liberman a face-saving formula for coalition talks centered on Netanyahu's future rather than his party's ideological objections. Liberman did not specify whether he would seek a formal Likud leadership change or an arrangement where Netanyahu steps aside for another Likud figure to head the government.
Likud has not responded publicly. The party has previously stated it will not sit under center-left figures like MK Gadi Eisenkot, as The Zioneer reported on July 1.
- DevelopingLiberman rules out sitting with Netanyahu, ultra-Orthodox, or relying on Arab parties
- StrongLapid rules out a Netanyahu-led government, says he will not join the Likud leader
- DevelopingLiberman says he is unsure Netanyahu will run, citing potential fear of defeat
- DevelopingNetanyahu dismisses Liberman's claim he will not run, vows victory
Source and signal
- Internal intake