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Netanyahu, Lieberman sign coalition agreement, reaffirm their commitment to peace
Israel’s Prime Minister and Yisrael Beitenu’s leader have signed a coalition agreement, following days of negotiations.
The agreement will see Avigdor Lieberman take over as Defence Minister next week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lieberman spoke side by side yesterday at a signing ceremony.
Netanyahu said that the addition of Yisrael Beitenu’s Knesset members to his government brings much-needed “governmental stability,” if Israel “is to cope with the challenges that await us.” However, he added: “Alongside the threats and dangers, there are also opportunities.”
In what appeared an effort to allay concerns that Lieberman’s appointment to senior office would signal a move away from peace, Netanyahu said: “My government remains committed to pursuing peace with the Palestinians and with all our neighbours. My policy has not changed. We will pursue every avenue for peace while ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
Yesterday, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said “reports from Israel describing” the new-look government as “the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history… raises legitimate questions about the direction it may be headed in.”
Lieberman also spoke yesterday, saying that he is “committed to a balanced policy that will bring stability to the region and to our country.” Also turning to English, Lieberman added his commitment to “peace and to a final status agreement, and to understanding between us and our neighbours.” Although Lieberman has previously served as Foreign Minister under Netanyahu, they have also endured very sharp public disagreements. Lieberman joked yesterday “I’ve had surgery to have my short fuse extended.”
Following the collapse of coalition talks between Netanyahu and opposition leader Isaac Herzog last week, Lieberman agreed in principle to bring his five MKs into the government. The move precipitated the resignation of Likud’s Moshe Ya’alon as Defence Minister and the Knesset.
However, the agreement had been held up over a dispute between Yisrael Beitenu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon over an increase in pension payments, which was resolved on Tuesday night.