Avigdor Liberman: Israel’s ultimate political outsider – too secular for the religious right, too hawkish for the centre-left
The immigrant from Moldova who once carried suitcases at the airport does not fit comfortably into either political camp, which could make him a kingmaker after the elections
Assessment
Liberman's outsider status is his leverage. He can extract concessions from either bloc because neither can form a government without him. His secularism blocks a right-wing coalition with the ultra-Orthodox, while his hawkishness alienates the centre-left. Watch whether he demands a unity government or plays both sides to maximize his own influence. The election outcome may hinge less on the largest party and more on his willingness to deal.