Liberman: Draft law must pass High Court, no minority govt

Liberman's statement | Watch (Photo: Knesset Channel)

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman issued a comprehensive statement Tuesday laying out his positions on the central issues following the election results. Liberman addressed the draft law, his relationship with Yesh Atid chairman Gadi Eisenkot, and the formation of the next government.

"We need to go with a draft law that passes the High Court (Bagatz)," hesaid at the outset. "We did a recalculation following the election results." His reference to the High Court comes against the backdrop of reports of contacts with the chareidi parties, with the precondition for any draft law being that it pass muster with the Supreme Court.

Liberman clarified his position regarding Yesh Atid chairman Gadi Eisenkot: "I stand with Eisenkot. I made clear that I am not seeking rotation or mutation." His words come following the agreements reached in the change bloc on the division of key roles in the 26th Knesset, with Liberman himself slated for the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

In his statement, Liberman also addressed the political order of priorities: "We need to start with term limits and appointing a state comptroller, then everything else." His words come following the withdrawal of attorney Michael Rabello from the race for state comptroller, leaving retired judge Yosef Elron as the sole candidate.

He said, "There is no chance of a minority government. It is certainly possible to form a 61-seat government within a reasonable time and rebuild all the ruins. I am here to put an end to Netanyahu's rule forever ... The draft law will have to pass the High Court test."

Liberman also addressed contacts with the chareidi parties: "I saw the conduct of the chareidim, there is a window of opportunity here that must be seized." At the same time, he drew a clear red line: "I will not give a hand to any coalition that relies on Ra'am or the Joint List."

At the end of his statement, Liberman repeated his belief in the ability to form a government: "A government can be formed within a very reasonable time." His words come against the backdrop of political contacts being conducted between the change bloc and various parties, with the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset expected to take place today.