Lieberman Launches Unprecedented Attack on Eisenkot, Accusing Him of Seeking Alliance with Netanyahu

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has launched a sharp attack on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yash!", accusing him of orchestrating a campaign to undermine other parties within the "serving bloc" to secure a post-election coalition with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's "biggest party" campaign is not aimed at shifting votes from those who do not serve in the military to those who do, but rather at siphoning votes within the bloc itself. This, Lieberman asserted, contradicts agreements made among bloc leaders on September 26th and questions Eisenkot's true motives.

Lieberman suggested Eisenkot is planning for the day after the election, aiming to emerge stronger than the Likud party and negotiate from a position of power to form a government with Netanyahu. He cited comments from Minister Miki Zohar about potential cooperation with Eisenkot, reports of President Isaac Herzog's initiative for a Netanyahu-Eisenkot government, and briefings from the White House as evidence connecting these dots. Lieberman also pointed to Eisenkot's past stances on conscription and the constitution, including defining Shas as having "very broad Zionist components" and proposing a draft deferral for up to 3% of conscripts annually, which he believes would maintain the exemption for yeshiva students.

In contrast, Lieberman emphasized Yisrael Beiteinu's consistent stance on universal conscription and a constitution for Israel, stating these are not mere election slogans. He recalled Yisrael Beiteinu's refusal to join a coalition in 2019 despite pressure and temptations, specifically due to the conscription law. Lieberman dismissed claims that his party's positions are intended to thwart a government led by Eisenkot, asserting that Yisrael Beiteinu does not alter its principles based on polls or coalition needs.

Furthermore, Lieberman reiterated his refusal to support a government reliant on Arab parties, especially after the October 7th Hamas attack. He recalled MK Ofer Cassif signing a petition supporting South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and an interview where MK Yasser Hegrat of Ra'am stated Hamas is partly a charity organization and partly deserves recognition as a state. Lieberman vowed that Yisrael Beiteinu would not be part of any coalition dependent on Cassif or Hegrat.

Lieberman concluded by stating his belief that Eisenkot aims to form a government with Netanyahu, Goldknopp, and Der'i, keeping the option of a minority government open as leverage for a rotation leadership position. He criticized Eisenkot's ambition over a genuine desire to correct perceived wrongs, urging the four parties of the "serving bloc" to secure a solid majority to form a Zionist, liberal government and prevent Eisenkot from "saving Netanyahu a second time." He also drew parallels between Eisenkot's political inexperience and that of former IDF chiefs like Yigal Allon, Ehud Barak, and Benny Gantz, suggesting military rank does not substitute for political experience, citing Yitzhak Rabin's need for further experience after his first term as prime minister.