Ex-Defense Chief Lieberman Blames Netanyahu for Oct. 7 Failures
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored numerous warnings and specific plans that could have prevented the October 7th Hamas attack. Lieberman presented a detailed document in 2016 predicting the assault and proposed preemptive military actions in 2018, which he says were rejected by Netanyahu. He also criticized the policy of allowing Qatari funds into Gaza. New Yisrael Beiteinu members, affected by personal tragedies from the war, joined Lieberman in calling for accountability and a change in security strategy.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman claims Benjamin Netanyahu ignored repeated warnings and specific plans that could have prevented the October 7th attack.
- Lieberman presented a 2016 document detailing Hamas's intentions and proposed preemptive military action in 2018, which he says were blocked.
- Lieberman criticized Netanyahu's decision to allow Qatari funding into Gaza, calling it a "capitulation to terror."
- New Yisrael Beiteinu members Sharon Sharabi and Rafi Ben-Shtrit joined the party, citing personal losses and demanding accountability.
- Lieberman advocates for decisive military action and the dismantling of Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and the Iranian regime.
- Lieberman believes Arab entities will only take responsibility for Gaza after Israel removes Hamas and its weapons.
Former Defense Minister and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman asserts that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored repeated warnings about Hamas's intentions, leading to the October 7th atrocities. Lieberman described his personal shock and ongoing distress since the attack, feeling haunted by his inability to convince leadership of the impending danger. He likens his situation to the Greek myth of Cassandra, whose accurate prophecies were dismissed.
Lieberman detailed a 2016 document he presented to the government, which he claims accurately predicted the events of October 7th, including Hamas's plan to infiltrate Israeli territory and take hostages. He also recalled a 2018 cabinet meeting where he proposed a preemptive strike against Hamas, presenting detailed operational plans like "Musical Chairs" and "Solid Rock" for conquering Gaza. However, he stated that Netanyahu consistently blocked these initiatives, even after Hamas launched over 500 rockets.
Lieberman further criticized Netanyahu's decision in late 2018 to allow Qatari funding into Gaza, calling it a "capitulation to terror" that prioritized short-term quiet over long-term national security. He argued that this policy, along with a general reluctance to confront Hamas, effectively allowed the organization to rebuild and return to its pre-war capabilities.
Joining Yisrael Beiteinu, Sharon Sharabi and Rafi Ben-Shtrit, both personally affected by the war, expressed their commitment to preventing future disasters. Sharabi lost two brothers, one killed in captivity and the other returned after 491 days, while Ben-Shtrit's son fell in the early hours of the war. They criticized the government's perceived evasion of responsibility and the politicization of the hostage crisis.
Lieberman concluded by advocating for decisive military action and a clear end goal in all conflict zones, including the removal of Hamas from Gaza, the overthrow of the Iranian regime, and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. He believes that only after Israel cleanses Gaza of weapons and Hamas, and withdraws, will Arab entities be willing to take responsibility for the region.
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