Liberman Calls for Opposition Unity, Rules Out Alliance with Eisenkot

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has ruled out any possibility of uniting with Gadi Eisenkot, citing Eisenkot's "vague position" as unacceptable. Speaking at a "Time for Decisions: Democracy and Society" conference organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, Liberman outlined his vision for the bloc opposing Benjamin Netanyahu's camp, just two months before elections.

Liberman urged his opposition colleagues to "either absorb or unite all lists" to prevent votes from being wasted. He believes that individual parties led by figures like Gilad Erdan, Hili Tropper, or Benny Gantz will not pass the electoral threshold on their own and could cost the bloc crucial mandates. "Maximum effort must be made to absorb, unite, or streamline the entire bloc," he stated.

Despite his call for unity, Liberman sees no path to merging with Eisenkot's party, which polls suggest is the leading force in the opposition. Liberman explained the disconnect by stating, "Unlike others, I speak clearly. This position, Gadi's very vague formulations, are unacceptable to me." He specifically pointed to Eisenkot's indecision regarding potential cooperation with Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Liberman also reiterated his principled stance against including Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox in a future government, citing the "largest massacre since the Holocaust" on October 7th and the lack of accountability. He believes those who have not taken responsibility and are spreading conspiracy theories should not be partners in the next government.

In related comments, Liberman supported Yair Golan's intention to sue Sara Netanyahu, calling her a purveyor of "poison and psychopaths." He defined "psychopaths" as anyone spreading conspiracy theories, which he believes is part of a planned Likud campaign. Liberman also interpreted Netanyahu's statement that he "doesn't think October 7th was a betrayal" as implicit support for the event.

Addressing regional security, Liberman stressed the need for readiness for challenges, particularly from Iran. He advocated for Israel to possess its own ballistic missile capability, allowing strikes on targets like Iran's oil export facilities. He also suggested that the US should be aware that an attack on Israel by Iran would necessitate the destruction of Iran's Kharg Island.