Lieberman defends talks with ultra-Orthodox parties: ‘Compromise does not mean abandoning principles’

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman on Sunday defended his willingness to negotiate with ultra-Orthodox parties over forming a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, saying compromise was necessary to avoid another election and end Netanyahu’s tenure.

“A willingness to compromise does not mean abandoning values and principles,” Lieberman wrote in a post on X.

Responding to criticism of his position, Lieberman rejected the alternative of forming a government dependent on Ra’am and the Joint List. He argued that such a coalition would undermine national security and ultimately return Netanyahu to power.

“Given the current reality, in order to avert further elections and bring an end to the Netanyahu era, difficult decisions must be made,” he wrote. “We must reach determinations on specific issues where there is room for flexibility and the possibility of reaching an understanding.”

Lieberman said he remained committed to universal military conscription but was prepared to discuss how that principle could be implemented in light of the election results.

“Reaching an understanding is not the same as abandoning one’s principles, and engaging in dialogue does not mean erasing one’s ‘red lines,’” he wrote.

He pointed to the conscription bill he introduced in 2018, drafted by the IDF and the defense establishment, as a possible starting point for negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Lieberman acknowledged that the proposal would need to be revised following the October 7 attacks, but said it remained “a sound basis for reaching an agreement.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding benefits for reservists and improving conditions for career military personnel. Citing his record as finance minister, he said he had raised conscript soldiers’ pay by 50 percent and incorporated the “Dimensions to Studies” scholarship program into the state budget.

Lieberman also dismissed suggestions that his position was driven by a desire to become prime minister.

“I am not driven by a personal ambition to become prime minister at any cost,” he wrote. “I have always emphasized that, for me, this is an option—not an obsession.”

He said he had received numerous attractive offers from the opposing political camp since 2019, but denied engaging in political maneuvering or trying to undermine anyone.

“My actions are—and will continue to be—guided by a single commitment: the well-being of the State of Israel and the People of Israel,” he wrote.