Ex-Netanyahu ally shuns opposition amid ‘national unity’ government push

A former ally turned opponent of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped taking calls from opposition leaders amid efforts to form a “national unity” government and avoid relying on Palestinian-led parties, according to Channel 12 The broadcaster reported on Wednesday that Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, had largely cut off contact with his opposition counterparts. He has reportedly ignored calls from Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, and former prime minister Naftali Bennett, leader of B’Yachad (Together). Lieberman’s party is projected to win seven seats. He has previously ruled out joining a government led by Netanyahu or one that includes Palestinian-led parties. With more than 90 percent of votes counted, preliminary results point to a deadlock between Netanyahu’s outgoing bloc and the Zionist opposition. Read more: Ex-Netanyahu ally shuns opposition amid ‘national unity’ government push