Lieberman Accuses Netanyahu of Facilitating Palestinian Statehood

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, warned at the International Counter-Terrorism Conference at Reichman University that the United States is expected to recognize a Palestinian state within two years. He asserted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aware of this potential move and is even working to advance it.

Lieberman claimed to have spoken with sources in the U.S. State Department and National Security Council, stating that there is broad support for recognizing a Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank, Jordan Valley, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. He predicted that the U.S. would lead a UN Security Council resolution to this effect, granting full UN membership to the Palestinians.

He accused Netanyahu of intentionally enabling this process, suggesting that the Prime Minister believes he will not be in office after this two-year period and that the Netanyahu family's approach is that "if Bibi is not prime minister, then let this country burn." Lieberman also warned of Palestinian preparations for a comprehensive conflict with Israel, which he believes is a planned move starting with the Palestinian Authority elections in late November.

Lieberman criticized Israel's lack of preparedness and Netanyahu's policy of inaction, stating, "I am telling you that Netanyahu is acting and wants a Palestinian state to be established. Because by doing nothing, by containment when we don't take any initiative, we cannot complain."

He challenged Netanyahu directly, saying, "If Netanyahu thinks I am wrong, he is invited to file a complaint against me, to sue me in court, and I commit that at that moment I will remove my immunity." Lieberman added that while Donald Trump is president, recognition of a Palestinian state is unlikely, urging the use of the remaining time to prevent this "disaster."