Lieberman Accuses Eisenkot of Plotting to Join Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, accused Gadi Eisenkot of "Yash!" of plotting to form a government with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu after the elections. Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's campaign aims to siphon votes within their bloc and contradicts prior agreements. He contrasted Yisrael Beiteinu's consistent stance on universal military conscription with Eisenkot's proposals and reiterated his party's refusal to partner with Arab parties. Lieberman urged bloc parties to secure a decisive majority to prevent Eisenkot from enabling Netanyahu's return to power.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman accused Gadi Eisenkot of plotting to form a government with Binyamin Netanyahu after elections.
- Lieberman stated Eisenkot's campaign aims to siphon votes within their bloc, not draw from opponents.
- Lieberman contrasted Yisrael Beiteinu's consistent stance on universal military conscription with Eisenkot's proposals.
- Lieberman reiterated Yisrael Beiteinu will not join a coalition dependent on Arab parties like Ra'am or Hadash-Ta'al.
- Lieberman urged bloc parties to secure a strong majority to prevent Eisenkot from enabling Netanyahu's re-election.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, launched a sharp attack on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yash!" party, accusing him of attempting to undermine other parties within their bloc to form a government with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu after the upcoming elections. Lieberman characterized Eisenkot's "Big Party" campaign not as an effort to draw votes from those who avoid military service to those who serve, but rather as an attempt to siphon votes from within their own bloc.
Lieberman asserted that Eisenkot's actions contradict agreements made among bloc leaders on September 26 and questioned his motives, suggesting Eisenkot is planning for the post-election period. He believes Eisenkot aims to emerge stronger than the Likud party to negotiate government formation with Netanyahu from a position of power. Lieberman cited potential cooperation between Eisenkot and Minister Miki Zohar, President Isaac Herzog's initiative for a Netanyahu-Eisenkot government, and White House briefings as evidence supporting his theory. He also pointed to Eisenkot's stances on conscription and constitutional issues as reinforcing these concerns.
Lieberman contrasted Yisrael Beiteinu's consistent stance on universal conscription with Eisenkot's proposed draft deferral for up to 3% of the annual intake, which he claims would effectively maintain the exemption for yeshiva students. He recalled Yisrael Beiteinu's refusal to join a coalition in 2019 over the draft law. Lieberman also reiterated his party's commitment not to sit in a coalition dependent on Arab parties like Ra'am or Hadash-Ta'al, citing statements by MK Ofer Cassif supporting South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ and MK Yasser Hijrat's nuanced view on Hamas.
Lieberman concluded that Eisenkot is maneuvering to form a government with Netanyahu, Goldkopf, and Deri, potentially using the threat of a minority government to secure the first rotation spot. He expressed concern over Eisenkot's personal ambition overriding a genuine desire for change. Lieberman called for the bloc parties to secure a strong majority to prevent Eisenkot from enabling Netanyahu's re-election and advocated for a Zionist, liberal leadership that prioritizes those who serve and bear the national burden.
Mentioned
