Israel’s Lieberman hopes to enhance position in poll

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - Avigdor Lieberman, head of Israel’s right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, hopes to consolidate his position in snap elections slated for Sept. 17.

The Knesset (Israel’s parliament) on Wednesday called for early elections after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a coalition government.

Under Israeli law, Netanyahu, who is also leader of Israel’s Likud party, had until midnight Wednesday to form a workable coalition.

Seventy-four lawmakers approved the assembly’s dissolution while 45 voted against the move.

At a Thursday press conference, Lieberman expressed hope that his party would win at least 17 Knesset seats in the upcoming election.

Reasserting his pro-settlement stance, Lieberman also stressed his refusal to allow Benny Gantz, leader of Israel’s centrist “Blue and White” coalition, to hold the post of prime minister.

He also reiterated calls to demolish the Palestinian West Bank village of Khan al-Ahmar and impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of “terrorism”.

Netanyahu, for his part, accuses Lieberman of “misleading voters” and forcing a snap election.

The upcoming poll will be Israel’s second general election this year.

On April 9, Netanyahu secured a record fifth term as premier after his Likud party won 36 seats in the 120-member Knesset.