Poll: Public Just Fine With Liberman as Defense Minister

The public is fine with Avigdor Liberman as Defense Minister, a Channel Two poll said Thursday. According to the poll, 36 percent of Israelis are happy that Liberman is set to replace Moshe Yaalon in the job, while 35 percent would prefer to leave things as they are.

The poll also shows that, as far as the public is concerned, Netanyahu made the right choice in preferring Liberman as a coalition partner over Yitzchak Herzog of Zionist Camp. Only 24 percent of Israelis preferred to see Netanyahu partner with the latter, while 37 percent said they preferred Liberman.

Speaking on Kol Chai Radio, United Torah Judaism MK Rabbi Yisrael Eichler said that he hoped the chareidi public would be able to work with Liberman. “I am hopeful that he will see the situation differently when he takes on the job, and does not try to impose anything on the chareidi public that will interrupt its lifestyle.”

There has been tension in the past between the community and Liberman, who is known for strong statements in favor of a universal draft, and other matters. But times have changed, said MK Rabbi Eichler. “I hope we can remain calm. Yaalon always had an open ear for our concerns, and he never looked at us in a negative fashion. I hope we will be able to work with Liberman. He has assured me many times that he is not anti-chareidi. He has some good people around him,” he said.