Liberman Demands Netanyahu Account for War-Related Decisions

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to answer a series of difficult questions regarding decisions made before and during the ongoing war. Liberman outlined these concerns on his Telegram channel, calling for a separate investigation into specific actions.

Among the issues Liberman raised are the release of 1,026 Palestinian prisoners, including Yahya Sinwar, and the decision to agree to a ceasefire during Operation Protective Edge. He also recalled Netanyahu's 2017 statement to a Knesset committee about the threat of a Hamas attack, questioning the government's preventative measures.

Further criticism was directed at the policy of transferring Qatari funds to Gaza, which Liberman claims was Netanyahu's direct decision, not one made by the military or intelligence services. Liberman also pointed to Netanyahu's relationships with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari leadership as requiring explanation.

Additionally, Liberman criticized the current draft law, deeming it unacceptable to advance legislation that could facilitate draft evasion while Israel is at war. He concluded by referencing Netanyahu's past statement, "If you are in charge, you are responsible," and vowed to initiate a state commission of inquiry after the upcoming elections to examine these accumulated issues, stating, "But they will answer."