Lieberman Accuses Eisenkot of Seeking Coalition with Netanyahu

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, launched a sharp attack on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of National Unity, accusing him of seeking to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu and calling him "Benny Gantz 2." Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's campaign aims to "drink votes within the bloc itself," contrary to agreements among the bloc's leaders.

Eisenkot responded by stating that the Israeli public will not forgive politicians who prioritize personal interests over replacing the government formed after October 7. He urged Israelis seeking change to ignore "spins" and focus on the "great victory" he is working to achieve by bringing in voters tired of the current government's "evasion, division, and lies."

Lieberman expressed skepticism about Eisenkot's political experience, comparing him to former IDF chiefs of staff like Yigal Yadin, Ehud Barak, and Benny Gantz, whose military experience did not translate to political success. Lieberman reiterated his party's stance against any minority government, even for a transition period.

Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot, asserting that Lieberman has accomplished far less for Israel than he and Eisenkot have. Gantz accused Lieberman of being under pressure since revealing his plan for a minority government with Bennett and Arab parties, and stated that Lieberman's attacks obscure the "dead end" he is leading Israel toward. Gantz proposed a "Zionist, cross-bloc unity government" as the only solution.

Lieberman further alleged that Eisenkot is planning for the post-election period, aiming to be larger than the Likud and negotiate from a position of strength to form a government with Netanyahu. He believes Eisenkot is seeking a government with Netanyahu and Deri, using the possibility of a minority government as leverage to become prime minister first in a rotation. Lieberman stressed that the bloc's parties must achieve a solid majority to form a "Zionist and liberal government" and prevent Eisenkot from saving Netanyahu.

Eisenkot, in turn, stated his biggest challenge is preventing one bloc from defeating the other, emphasizing the need for a "Zionist and state-oriented majority" to lead Israel, fostering solidarity and commitment. He promised not to differentiate between those who voted for him and those who did not.