Lieberman Attacks Eisenkot, Calling Him 'Benny Gantz 2'
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman fiercely criticized MK Gadi Eisenkot, calling him "Benny Gantz 2" and accusing him of plotting to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties. Lieberman also attacked Eisenkot's conscription proposals and stated his party would not join a coalition reliant on Arab parties. Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot, accusing Lieberman of personal ambition and leading Israel into a deadlock, advocating instead for a unity government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman called MK Gadi Eisenkot "Benny Gantz 2" and accused him of seeking to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's strategy is to negotiate from a position of strength after the next election.
- Lieberman criticized Eisenkot's conscription plan, stating it would perpetuate exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox.
- Yisrael Beiteinu will not join a coalition dependent on Arab parties, Lieberman declared.
- Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot, accusing Lieberman of personal ambition and leading Israel into a deadlock.
- Gantz proposed a unity government as the only solution, stating only National Unity can achieve it.
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman launched a sharp attack on Member of Knesset Gadi Eisenkot, labeling him "Benny Gantz 2" and accusing him of seeking to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties after the next elections. Lieberman asserted that Eisenkot's "largest party" campaign is designed to attract votes within the religious bloc rather than new voters. He claimed Eisenkot's actions indicate a plan to establish a government with the Likud, aiming to be larger than the Likud to negotiate from a position of strength. Lieberman cited remarks by Minister Miki Zohar, an initiative by President Isaac Herzog, and White House briefings as reinforcing his concerns.
Lieberman also criticized Eisenkot's stance on conscription, arguing it would perpetuate exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. He recalled Eisenkot previously describing Shas as a party with "very broad Zionist components" while his conscription plan allows for deferrals for up to 3% of the conscription cohort. Lieberman emphasized that Yisrael Beiteinu has consistently advocated for "conscription for all."
Regarding Arab parties, Lieberman reiterated that Yisrael Beiteinu would not join a coalition dependent on Ra'am or Hadash-Ta'al, either directly or indirectly. He stated that any government relying on these parties would not include Yisrael Beiteinu.
Lieberman concluded that Eisenkot is motivated by personal ambition rather than a genuine desire to rectify perceived injustices by the "draft dodgers' government." He drew parallels to other former IDF chiefs of staff who entered politics and called for unity within the "serving bloc" to form a Zionist and liberal government to replace the current one.
Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot, stating that in 30 years of Israeli politics, Lieberman has not accomplished 10% of what he and Eisenkot have done for the country. Gantz accused Lieberman of being under pressure and lashing out in all directions since Gantz revealed his plan for a minority government with Naftali Bennett and Arab parties. Gantz claimed Lieberman's attacks would not hide the deadlock he is leading Israel toward, proposing a cross-bloc unity government as the only solution, which he asserted only National Unity can achieve.
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