JVP on the New Israeli Governing Coalition

May 19, 2016–The appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Defense Minister and the inclusion of the Yisrael Beiteinu party in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition will make the proposed new Israeli government the most right-wing in Israel’s history.

Rebecca Vilkomerson, Jewish Voice for Peace Executive Director: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Defense Minister is yet another indicator that Israel is not a partner for peace. Lieberman, who lives in a settlement and is proudly racist, has advocated for transferring the Palestinian population, requiring Palestinian citizens to sign a loyalty oath to the state, and for full re-occupation of the Gaza Strip. Coming just ahead of the French diplomatic initiative, which Israel has already rejected, this announcement sends a message to the international community that Israel’s leadership is more interested in maintaining and expanding its power than negotiating to make peace.

We hope that the new coalition will prod the Obama administration to recognize that the current approach of, at best, gentle admonitions against draconian Israeli policies are not sufficient. A new approach is urgently needed in order to protect the rights of people living under Israeli control.”

Jewish Voice for Peace leaders are available for interviews regarding the new Israeli government. Please contact: Naomi Dann | media@jvp.org | 845-377-5745.