Liberman set to become only Eisenkot-bloc leader with direct security ties to Netanyahu

Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman is expected to contact Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly on security and diplomatic matters after the Knesset's Arrangements Committee voted Wednesday to recommend his appointment as chairman of the new Knesset's temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.Under the law, the new Knesset does not currently have an opposition leader, so the prime minister is not required to provide regular security briefings to anyone. As a result, Netanyahu is not currently obligated to provide security updates to any political figure.At the same time, Liberman's appointment as chairman of the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee would make him one of the most informed political figures on security matters, after the prime minister and defense minister.In effect, Liberman would become the only party leader in the Eisenkot-led bloc with direct contact with the prime minister on security and diplomatic matters during the transition of power.The Arrangements Committee, approved by the Knesset on Wednesday, will determine the new parliament's working procedures and the representation of each faction on parliamentary committees in the coming days.Committee approved Liberman as chair of Foreign Affairs, Defense CommitteeAs part of its decision, the committee approved the establishment of a temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee comprising 17 members and recommended Liberman as its chairman.