Lieberman Presents Grim Outlook, Avoids Hope in Election Speech
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Politician Avigdor Lieberman delivered a stark speech in Rehovot, detailing Israel's alleged dire situation without offering hope. He criticized government spending, foreign policy, and the "change bloc's" internal divisions, stating a prime minister would be decided post-election. Lieberman also expressed reservations about potential coalition partners like Gadi Eisenkot and Mansour Abbas, emphasizing his preference for a strictly Zionist government. The event concluded with Lieberman dismissing further questions, reinforcing his pragmatic and unyielding approach.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman presented a grim outlook for Israel, criticizing government spending and foreign policy.
- Lieberman avoided offering hope to the audience, suggesting voting for him was the only way to prevent collapse.
- He highlighted divisions within the "change bloc" and stated a prime minister would be chosen after elections.
- Lieberman expressed opposition to Mansour Abbas and potential difficulties for Gadi Eisenkot in a future government.
- The politician concluded his speech abruptly after taking only two audience questions.
Avigdor Lieberman, a shrewd politician known for his intimidating presence, addressed a crowd at a sheltered housing facility in Rehovot, painting a bleak picture of Israel's current state. He presented a barrage of statistics and arguments, eschewing emotional appeals or expressions of hope. Lieberman focused on what he perceives as governmental failures, including billions allocated to "corrupt Haredi organizations," a massive increase in the defense budget without funding, and the impact of "irresponsible foreign policy" on US aid.
During his speech, Lieberman criticized the current government's actions, which he described as a "complete dereliction" and a "betrayal of the country." When audience members asked about his plans or for something positive to say, Lieberman appeared uninterested, emphasizing his role as a presenter of facts rather than a purveyor of hope. He suggested that voting for him was the only way to prevent the country's collapse.
Lieberman also touched upon the "change bloc," a coalition of potential prime ministers, highlighting its internal divisions and the lack of a consensus candidate. He stated that a decision on who would be prime minister would be made "after the elections," without specifying the criteria. He also signaled potential difficulties for Gadi Eisenkot and outright opposition to Mansour Abbas in any future government, advocating for a "Zionist government with Herzl's beard."
When questioned about potential coalition partners like Yair Golan, who might agree to a Palestinian state, or Eisenkot's suitability for prime minister, Lieberman offered a pragmatic, albeit unenthusiastic, response. He stated that one does not choose political partners, implying that the current coalition members are the available options. He concluded the event abruptly after taking only two questions, one concerning the lack of focus on pensioners and another about his potential partners, leaving the audience with a sense of his unyielding stance.
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