Liberman Blames Netanyahu for October 7th Massacre, Citing 'Containment' Policy

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has directly blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the October 7th Hamas attacks, labeling Netanyahu as the "father of the concept" that led to the massacre. Liberman argues that Netanyahu's "containment" policy allowed Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas to strengthen, posing an existential threat to Israel.

Liberman pointed to specific decisions made by Netanyahu during his tenure, including an ceasefire agreement with Hamas during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. He also cited Netanyahu's decision to accept another ceasefire in November 2018, despite Hamas firing over 500 rockets into Israel, including direct hits on homes in Beersheba. Liberman stated that instead of a broad operation to eliminate Hamas, Netanyahu again opted for a ceasefire.

According to Liberman, Netanyahu should be the primary subject of investigation regarding any "conspiracy" or flawed security strategy. He asserted that as long as Netanyahu remains Prime Minister, Israel faces an existential security danger. Liberman emphasized that the October 7th massacre occurred on Netanyahu's watch, quoting Netanyahu himself: "You are the head, you are guilty."