Lieberman backs Lapid for Knesset speaker, leaves decision to coalition talks

Israeli politician Avigdor Lieberman confirmed Friday he still supports appointing opposition leader Yair Lapid as the next Knesset speaker, dismissing reports he had changed his position. Lieberman stated on X that he believes Lapid's appointment remains the most correct step, but said the decision now rests with Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Lapid himself. He also signaled willingness to soften his opposition to exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service to form a coalition. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Eisenkot secured a majority in the October 27 elections. Lieberman, whose party won seven seats, refuses to ally with Arab parties but urges opposition negotiations with religious parties, prioritizing removing Netanyahu and avoiding new elections.