Gantz Accuses Lieberman of Seeking Government with Arab Party in 2020
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
National Unity Party Chairman Benny Gantz accused Avigdor Lieberman of attempting to form a government with the Arab party Balad in 2020 and potentially again. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported Gantz's claims, warning against a "left-wing government with Arab parties." Lieberman denied the allegations, accusing Gantz of joining Netanyahu's "campaign of lies."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz accused Avigdor Lieberman of seeking to form a government with the Arab party Balad in 2020.
- Gantz claimed Lieberman would pursue such a coalition again, even after the current elections.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported Gantz's accusations against Lieberman.
- Gantz called for a broad Zionist unity government following the October 7th attacks.
- Lieberman denied the claims, accusing Gantz of aiding Netanyahu's political campaign.
Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, revealed on Monday that Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, had sought to form a government with the Arab party Balad in 2020, "at any cost," and would do so again.
Gantz made the accusations during an interview at the ynet conference, later reiterating them in a social media post. He claimed Lieberman was a key proponent of establishing a government reliant on the Joint List, participating in negotiations at the Kfar Maccabiah but refusing to be photographed with participants. Gantz also alleged Lieberman plotted to oust Gadi Eisenkot and form a narrow government with Ahmad Tibi.
Following the October 7th attacks, Gantz stated Israel cannot afford a government dependent on Arab or Haredi parties, advocating instead for a broad Zionist unity government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Gantz's claims, asserting Lieberman "wanted to form a government in 2020 with Balad from the Joint List, at any cost. He wanted then. He wants today. And he will do it again." Netanyahu urged the public to vote for Likud to prevent Lieberman and Eisenkot from forming a "left-wing government with Arab parties."
Lieberman denied the accusations, stating, "I am working to save the country, Gantz is working to save Bibi. The only question is: what is Gantz supposed to get in return for joining Bibi's campaign of lies?"
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