Eisenkot says he would sit with haredim as Liberman talks loom

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsHis comments come after reports of contacts regarding a possible merger between his party and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu, who has repeatedly criticized 'draft-dodging.'Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot speaks in Herzliya, April 26, 2026; illustrative.(photo credit: Tal Gal/Flash90)ByMAARIV ONLINEMAY 16, 2026 08:03Updated: MAY 16, 2026 09:06Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot said Friday that he would be willing to sit in a coalition with haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties, saying in a video posted to social media: “Of course. I sit with anyone who strengthens the State of Israel.”His comments come after reports of contacts regarding a possible merger between his party and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu. Earlier this month, both parties confirmed that the two were expected to meet amid reports of talks over a potential union.“What will ultimately determine things is the interest of the bloc. We will do what is right and what will bring victory. In the meantime, we are working; there is still time before the party lists close,” a joint statement by the parties read.Liberman, it should be recalled, has repeatedly emphasized his position on the draft law. About a year ago, he addressed the issue in an interview with 103FM.Liberman says 'no unity' while 'draft-dodging' persists “There will be no unity as long as there is draft-dodging. Netanyahu is not willing to give up on the draft-dodgers. Under no circumstances is Netanyahu willing to give up [haredi parties] Shas and United Torah Judaism. I see how much money is being funneled to them to appease them,” Liberman said.“The October 7 government is stealing money from those who serve and handing it to draft-dodgers. There are no boycotts. We will form a government, and its first decision will be the establishment of a state commission of inquiry and a draft law for everyone,” he stressed.