Lieberman Accuses Eisenkot of Plotting to Form Government with Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, accused Gadi Eisenkot of "Yashar!" of aiming to form a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "Benny Gantz 2." Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's campaign seeks to absorb votes within the opposition bloc and contradicts prior agreements. He also reiterated his party's refusal to partner with Arab parties in a coalition, citing recent controversies involving MKs Ofer Cassif and Yasser Hegrat. Lieberman urged the opposition to secure a strong majority to prevent Eisenkot from facilitating Netanyahu's premiership.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman accused Gadi Eisenkot of plotting to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu after the elections.
- Lieberman labeled Eisenkot "Benny Gantz 2" and claimed his campaign aims to siphon votes from within the opposition bloc.
- The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman reiterated his party's refusal to join a coalition dependent on Arab parties.
- Lieberman criticized Eisenkot's stance on military conscription, stating it would not abolish exemptions for Torah scholars.
- The dispute highlights an open struggle for leadership within the opposition bloc.
- Lieberman urged the opposition to achieve a solid majority to prevent Eisenkot from enabling Netanyahu's return.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and former Minister of Defense, has launched a sharp attack against Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and head of the "Yashar!" party. Lieberman labeled Eisenkot as "Benny Gantz 2," accusing him of running a campaign designed to siphon votes from within the "change bloc" of opposition parties, rather than from the government's supporters. He asserted that Eisenkot's actions contradict agreements made among bloc leaders on September 26, undermining their unity.
Lieberman further alleged that Eisenkot's ultimate goal is to negotiate the formation of a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the elections, leveraging his party's strength. He cited comments from Minister Miki Zohar about potential cooperation with Eisenkot, President Isaac Herzog's initiative for a Netanyahu-Eisenkot government, and reports from the White House as evidence supporting his claim. Lieberman also criticized Eisenkot's stance on military conscription, noting his proposal to defer up to 3% of conscripts annually, which Lieberman claims would not abolish exemptions for Torah scholars.
The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman reiterated his party's consistent opposition to relying on Arab parties in a coalition, referencing MK Ofer Cassif's support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and MK Yasser Hegrat's remarks about Hamas. Lieberman stated unequivocally that Yisrael Beiteinu will not join a government dependent on parties like Ra'am or the Joint List.
Lieberman concluded that Eisenkot's ambition is to form a government with Netanyahu, Goldknop, and Der'i, potentially using the threat of a minority government as leverage. He urged the four parties in the "change bloc" to secure a solid majority to prevent Eisenkot from enabling Netanyahu's return to power. Drawing parallels to other former military leaders who entered politics, Lieberman emphasized that military experience does not substitute for political acumen, stressing the need to replace the current government with a Zionist, liberal, and responsible leadership.
This public dispute between Lieberman and Eisenkot shatters the image of unity previously projected by the opposition bloc, highlighting an open struggle for leadership and the right to form the next government.
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