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Lieberman threatens elections as parties manoeuvre over peace talks impasse

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Israel’s Foreign Minister and Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman yesterday suggested the prospect of new elections in the wake of the current deadlocked peace talks, sparking political positioning from several leaders.

Speaking at the Jerusalem Post conference, Lieberman addressed the three-way deal which looked close to agreement last week, but said that in light of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Abbas’ application to international bodies, “I personally don’t think we are in a position to back out and return to a package deal and release terrorists.” He continued saying, “if the alternative is to surrender to the Palestinians’ threats, or pay an enormous price to maintain an alternative coalition – then we’d be better off going to elections.”

Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, Labour Party leader Isaac Herzog said Lieberman’s mention of new elections was more of a hope than a threat. He also called on Tzipi Livni’s Hatnuah Party and Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid to leave the coalition in light of the faltering peace talks. His comments were echoed by Meretz leader Zahava Gal-On, who commented, “maybe it really would be worth going to elections and getting rid of this bad government.” Gal-On’s party have initiated an emergency Knesset debate today on the stalled status of the peace negotiations.

Yesterday’s developments came against the backdrop of a spat between Livni and her coalition partner Jewish Home. On Saturday night, Livni accused Jewish Home’s Housing Minister Uri Ariel of having “torpedoed” the peace talks by announcing building plans in the West Bank at crucial moments during the talks. However, Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett hit back, saying that Livni had been given nine months to conduct talks. Meanwhile, Hatnuah MK Amram Mitznah commented, “We have nothing to seek in the Netanyahu government. We should give it until the end of the month and then leave.”