which would be the second largest faction in the new coalition government behind Likud . Netanyahu has vowed to form a broad-based government , but it is unclear how he can keep that promise since Kadima and the moderate Labor Party have indicated that they plan to form an opposition to a Likud-led government . `` Although Netanyahu has reportedly largely agreed to making Lieberman his foreign minister , he is thought to still be weighing the potential political damage the appointment of the hawkish politicians would do to the image of his government , '' Haaretz reported . The Jerusalem Post , quoting unnamed diplomatic sources , reported that although Israel 's ties with western Europe may suffer if Lieberman becomes foreign minister , he may help improve the Jewish state 's ties with Russia and eastern Europe . Lieberman is in a peculiar spot on the Israeli political spectrum He is routinely categorized as a right-wing hawk . But as a secularist who supports an independent Palestinian state , he is loathed by Israel 's ultra-orthodox parties , including Shas , which holds 11 seats in the Knesset and is another potential member of Netanyahu 's coalition .
JERUSALEM -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Israeli media are buzzing with reports that right-wing nationalist Avigdor Lieberman may become Israel 's next foreign minister . Avigdor Lieberman is loathed by ultra-orthodox parties because of his support for a Palestinian state . The appointment of Lieberman , a polarizing figure in Israeli politics , could complicate the stalled peace talks with the Palestinians . It could also further strain relations between Israel and moderate Arab countries . Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is still in the process of forming Israel 's next government . Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported this week that it is likely that he will select Lieberman as foreign minister . The paper quoted a source close to the negotiations between Netanyahu 's Likud Party and Lieberman 's Yisrael Beiteinu . Lieberman would replace outgoing Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni , head of the moderate Kadima party , which secured the most number of parliament seats in last month 's election -- but not enough to form a coalition government . Netanyahu has been unable to woo moderate parties , including Kadima , into his government . He may be forced to concede some key ministerial posts to Lieberman 's party ,