Liberman Blames Netanyahu for Hamas's Rise and October 7th Massacre

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him the "father of the concept" that led to the October 7th Hamas massacre. Liberman argued that under Netanyahu's nearly two decades as prime minister since 1996, Iran has become a nuclear threshold state, Hezbollah has transformed into a "terror army," and Hamas evolved from a limited terror group into an organized, armed, and trained military force capable of the "most terrible massacre in the history of the people of Israel since the Holocaust."

Liberman detailed a series of what he termed "bizarre security decisions" made by Netanyahu. These included a 2009 promise to dismantle Hamas, followed by the 2011 release of Yahya Sinwar and over 1,000 other terrorists. Liberman also pointed to the 2014 ceasefire during Operation Protective Edge and Netanyahu's 2018 decision to agree to another ceasefire with Hamas after over 500 rockets were fired at Israel, despite Liberman's opposition. Furthermore, Liberman condemned Netanyahu's initiative to transfer Qatari cash directly to Gaza in late 2018, which Netanyahu explained as an effort to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Liberman stated that these policies, particularly the decision not to launch a broad operation against Hamas, led to his own resignation as Defense Minister in November 2018. He also accused Netanyahu of actively working to prevent a universal draft law, instead promoting draft-dodging legislation, especially for the ultra-Orthodox community.

Liberman concluded that Netanyahu is the primary individual responsible for the October 7th massacre, asserting that as long as Netanyahu remains prime minister, Israel faces an existential security threat. He criticized those who claim they cannot sit with others involved in the October 7th failures but are willing to sit in a government led by Netanyahu, whom he holds directly accountable.