Liberman: I'll join Likud govt — without Netanyahu

Behind-the-scenes contacts over forming Israel's next government have reached even the bitterest of rivals. According to a report in Maariv, Likud figures approached Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman in recent days in an attempt to thaw relations and explore the possibility of talks toward a unity government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.

Liberman's response was unequivocal: he rejected the overtures outright. The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman continues to hold the position he has maintained through the last several election cycles, that he will not join any coalition in which Netanyahu serves.

The party is fine; the leader is the problem

Sources close to Liberman clarified that the refusal is not rooted in opposition to working with the Likud party itself, but is focused exclusively on the person of the prime minister. According to the position presented in the report, Liberman believes Netanyahu poses a danger to the security of the state, and for that reason replacing him is a basic and necessary condition for forming the next government.

At the same time, Liberman is not slamming the door on future partnership with members of the Likud faction. According to the Maariv report, while he categorically rules out supporting a government in which Netanyahu would be a part, the Yisrael Beiteinu chairman does not rule out sitting together and forming a coalition with Likud, on condition that it take place in Netanyahu's absence from the party's leadership and from the government.