Lieberman versus Likud in a Nutshell

I listened very carefully to Avigdor Lieberman's press conference. As much as don't like the man, either he's a totally amazing actor, or he revealed his real dilemma, if you listen carefully.

Bibi learned how to stress his love of the Bible and keep a kippah handy.

There is something very basic that holds Leberman back from fully assimilating into the world of Israeli Right wing politics. Unlike your typical Likudnik, Avigdor Lieberman is an avowed securlarist. He comes to his Rightist policies devoid of religion, spirituality and sentiment.

Lieberman is the product of Soviet Society and values. His discomfort and can we call it hatred of the chareidim is most like the Labor Zionists of old, the ones who assigned young religious new immigrants to secular boarding schools and proudly served ham on Yom Kippur.

voting for new 2019 Knesset Elections

voting for new 2019 Knesset Elections

The biggest difference between Lieberman and the early Leftist Zionists is that they, on the most part, came from a traditional Jewish world, and Lieberman didn't.

There are many ways of "dividing" Jewish Israeli society. For Lieberman, religion is a big factor. He is very blunt about not wanting the State of Israel to be ruled in any way by Halacha, Jewish Law. Lieberman's definition of Right doesn't seem to be based on anything, unlike dati leumi, religious nationalist, or your typical Likudnik who treasures the Bible and Jewish Tradition.

Lieberman's supporters are mostly Russian speakers, while the mainstay of Likud voters are Sefardim, descended from Jews who made aliyah from Arab and North African countries. The Likud also has support from those who follow Jabotinsky, aren't Histadrut socialists and those who consider the Etzel and Lechi the heroes of the struggle against the British Mandate.

I'm sure that Lieberman's supporters absolutely loved his press conference, and I'm just as sure that others are even less enthused, even where they may agree with some specific points.

Also many Israelis want a government that will unite us, not divide us. Avigdor Lieberman is a divisive politician, not a national leader. He is too Right wing for the secular Left and too secular for the Right. Although Lieberman has been in Israel for decades, he just doesn't understand Israelis.