Lieberman Demands Opposition Unity, Rules Out Alliance With Gadi Eisenkot

Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has called on opposition parties to unite ahead of the next elections to prevent wasted votes. Speaking at a conference titled "The Time for Decisive Decisions: Democracy and Society," Lieberman urged parties in the "change bloc" to merge their lists or absorb smaller factions, stating that "voters' votes are not thrown in the trash." He expressed concern that individual parties like those led by Gila Gamliel, Hili Tropper, and Benny Gantz might not pass the electoral threshold on their own, potentially costing the bloc three to four seats. Therefore, he stressed the importance of maximum coordination and unification among all parties in the bloc.

However, Lieberman explicitly ruled out any possibility of an alliance with Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party. Lieberman cited a "significant gap" and "unacceptable" vagueness in Eisenkot's positions, particularly regarding potential cooperation with Benjamin Netanyahu and the exemption of 4,500 ultra-Orthodox men from military service. Lieberman stated his intention to persuade Eisenkot to abandon any consideration of a government with Netanyahu.

Addressing the current political climate, Lieberman asserted that those in power who failed to take responsibility following the recent large-scale attack and opposed the establishment of a state commission of inquiry should not be part of the next government. He also labeled proponents of conspiracy theories as "psychopaths" and confirmed claims that the campaign against Yair Golan was a pre-planned Likud operation.

In light of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, Lieberman urged Israel to prepare for threats originating from the Persian Gulf, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria. He advocated for the creation of missile forces, suggesting that even with a strong air force, aircraft require overflight rights. Lieberman also advised the U.S. to preemptively target Iran's Kharg Island, the hub for 90% of its oil exports, in the event of an Iranian attack.

Regarding domestic security, Lieberman called for the establishment of a national security headquarters, arguing that the Ministry of Defense is no longer equipped to handle rising crime rates. He also supported enshrining the values of the Declaration of Independence into Israel's Basic Laws and constitution.