The two leaders appear to be heading towards a political union - the formation of a new party representing Russian-speaking Israelis. Such a party would undoubtedly constitute a major electoral blow to the Likud in the next national election, as many immigrants from Russia who lean to the Right politically have found a home in the ruling party. In addition, the Yisrael B'Aliya party under Sharansky merged with the Likud after the last election and such a split would again draw Sharansky voters away. Such a political framework might also draw votes from the allied factions currently constituting the National Union party, including Mr. Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu, which also represents many Russian-speaking voters.



Lieberman told participants in Friday's event that such a party is necessary to properly address the needs of the Russian-speaking community in Israel. Polls indicated that in the last election, such a party would have earned over ten mandates in the 120-member Knesset.