Dimona Mayor Outlines Unity Government Plan Involving Lieberman and Bennett
Dimona Mayor Benny Biton claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks a national unity government, proposing to include Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett. Interviewers met the plan with severe skepticism, prompting Biton to warn of snap elections.
Dimona Mayor Benny Biton claimed during a radio interview that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly desires a national unity government and outlined a prospective framework to incorporate Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett. According to Biton, Netanyahu is very keen on forming a broad coalition, warning that his bloc will crush political rivals if snap elections are called.
The interview on 103FM with hosts Barak Seri and Eli Ohana quickly sparked a sharp debate over the feasibility of Biton's plan. Seri challenged the mayor's optimistic assessment, pointing out that the current coalition bloc has shrunk significantly in recent polls compared to its historical 68-seat peak, dropping well below the majority threshold.
A Proposed Framework for Unity
Detailing his proposal, Biton argued that reaching broad national agreements is entirely possible by focusing on two key parameters: the military draft law and the establishment of a joint state commission of inquiry. He asserted that Avigdor Lieberman and his Yisrael Beytenu party share deep ideological roots with the right-wing camp, describing them as natural partners.
Biton also called on opposition figures, specifically mentioning Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, to seize the opportunity to join a unity government. The Dimona mayor warned that refusing to compromise could ultimately push the country toward another costly and rapid election cycle.
Skepticism and Political Realities
Host Barak Seri strongly dismissed the scenario, reminding listeners that Lieberman has repeatedly vowed never to sit in a government headed by Netanyahu. Seri also argued that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett would never agree to join the current coalition, labeling Biton's proposal as unrealistic fantasy rather than practical politics.
Despite the pushback from the interviewers, Biton stood by his assertions, revealing that high-level discussions are already underway and suggesting that international figures like US President Donald Trump and Israeli President Isaac Herzog could help guarantee the stability of such a broad political arrangement.
