Liberman Calls on Netanyahu to Resign Over October 7 Failures

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take responsibility for the failures leading to the October 7th Hamas attacks and resign from his position. Lieberman stated that the "1,116 terrible days" for Israel since the massacre must end at the ballot box on October 27, 2026.

Lieberman cited a recent investigative report in Yediot Ahronot by Ronen Bergman and Yuval Rovitch, which alleged that Netanyahu received solid intelligence in 2019 about Qatari funds, ostensibly for humanitarian aid, reaching Hamas's military wing. Despite further warnings from military and Shin Bet leaders, the report claims Netanyahu ordered the continuation of these payments. Lieberman emphasized that Netanyahu personally initiated and led the transfer of funds to Gaza, even requesting an increase in the monthly amount, and that Qatar had requested written confirmation from Israel to avoid accusations of terror financing.

Lieberman argued that the Chief of Staff, head of military intelligence, head of the Shin Bet, the Southern Command general, and the Gaza Division commander have all ended their service following the October 7th events, while Netanyahu remains in power. He drew a parallel to a previous incident where a preparatory program director was convicted of negligent homicide for administrative responsibility, suggesting Netanyahu should apply the same principle of accountability.

"You are the head, you are guilty," Lieberman quoted Netanyahu's past statement on accountability. He urged Netanyahu, after 19 years in power, to "release us" and resign, stating this is expected not just of a leader but of any reasonable person. Lieberman also called for a state commission of inquiry to investigate these decisions, expressing hope that relevant documents would not disappear.

In separate news, the Saudi-led coalition announced it had thwarted Houthi rebel attacks targeting civilians in Saudi cities, and intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggested Saudi Arabia might need military support due to ongoing Houthi attacks and stated Turkey would examine this within a trilateral defense agreement with Pakistan. U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to establish an "AI Task Force."