Lieberman Slams Eisenkot, Calling Him 'Benny Gantz 2'

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, launched a sharp attack on Member of Knesset Gadi Eisenkot, comparing him to Benny Gantz 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 aimed at consolidating votes within his bloc rather than attracting new voters.

According to Lieberman, Eisenkot's actions indicate a deliberate plan to establish a coalition with the Likud. He stated that Eisenkot is planning for the post-election period, aiming to be larger than the Likud to negotiate from a position of strength in forming a government with Netanyahu. Lieberman cited remarks by Minister Miki Zohar, initiatives by President Isaac Herzog, and White House briefings as reinforcing his concerns.

Lieberman also criticized Eisenkot's stance on conscription, claiming 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 Yisrael Beiteinu's consistent demand for "conscription for all."

Furthermore, Lieberman clarified that his party would not join a coalition dependent on Arab parties, stating, "Since the October 7 massacre, I have repeatedly made it clear: Yisrael Beiteinu will not sit in a coalition that depends on Ra'am or Hadash-Ta'al, neither with direct nor indirect support. Whoever wants to form a government and rely on Kasif and Hujirat, so be it. Yisrael Beiteinu will not be there."

Lieberman concluded that Eisenkot is motivated by personal ambition rather than a genuine desire to rectify perceived injustices by the "draft dodgers' government." He called for unity within the "serving bloc" to form a Zionist and liberal government to replace the current administration.

In response, Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot, stating that over 30 years in 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 Bennett and Arab parties. Gantz maintained that Lieberman's attacks would not hide the deadlock he is leading Israel towards, proposing a Zionist unity government across blocs, which he believes only National Unity can achieve.