Yisrael Beytenu endorses Lapid for PM, but says it could change his mind

Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu recommends that Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid be tasked with forming the next coalition.

But, adds Liberman, “if we see [later on in the coalition-building process] that there’s another candidate who has a better chance, we won’t boycott anyone and we’ll support anyone to prevent a fifth election, it doesn’t matter who it is.”

“We won’t support Netanyahu. I think we must end his rule,” adds Liberman.

His endorsement brings Lapid’s backers to 39; Netanyahu’s to 46; Bennett’s to 7.

Liberman criticizes Netanyahu for Israel’s economic crisis, 6,000 deaths from the pandemic, and political deadlock.

If Netanyahu would step aside, any Likud member could form a government, says Liberman.

President Reuven repeats that he’s still skeptical a government will be formed.

He appears to chide Liberman for comments he made in the past against the ultra-Orthodox, saying he was asked to convey that the Haredim were hurt by his criticism.