Netanyahu Accuses Lieberman of Seeking Government with Arab Parties
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Avigdor Lieberman of attempting to form a government with the Arab party Balad in 2020 and warned he would try again. Benny Gantz also accused Lieberman of seeking a narrow government with Ahmed Tibi. Lieberman countered that he is trying to save the country, while Gantz is helping Netanyahu. The dispute relates to coalition talks after the 2020 elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Avigdor Lieberman of seeking a government with Balad in 2020 and warned he would try again.
- Benny Gantz accused Lieberman of pushing to form a narrow government with Ahmed Tibi.
- Netanyahu warned Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot would form a left-wing government with Arab parties.
- Gantz stated Israel needs a broad unity government due to security challenges.
- Lieberman claimed he is saving the country, while Gantz is helping Netanyahu.
- The dispute references coalition talks after the 2020 elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, of seeking to form a government with the support of the Arab party Balad in 2020 and warned he would attempt to do so again. Netanyahu stated that Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot would form a "left-wing government with Arab parties," urging votes for Likud to prevent this outcome.
Netanyahu's remarks followed accusations by Benny Gantz, chairman of National Unity, that Lieberman was working to oust Eisenkot and establish a narrow government with Ahmed Tibi. Gantz recalled Lieberman's alleged push in 2020 to form a government relying on the Joint List, stating, "He wanted it then. He wants it today. And he will do it again."
Gantz argued that following the October 7th attacks, Israel needs a broad Zionist unity government, not a minority government dependent on Arab or Haredi parties, due to security challenges.
Lieberman, in response, dismissed Gantz's claims, asserting, "I am working to save the country, Gantz is working to save Bibi." He questioned what Gantz would receive in return for joining Netanyahu's "campaign of lies."
The political dispute stems from coalition talks after the 2020 elections, where Gantz and Lieberman met to discuss government formation. At that time, a minority government with external support from the Joint List was reportedly considered, though not with Balad's direct backing.
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