Lieberman Launches Fierce Attack on Eisenkot, Accusing Him of Seeking Coalition with Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Avigdor Lieberman fiercely attacked Gadi Eisenkot, accusing him of seeking to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu and other figures. Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's ambition is to negotiate from a position of strength, not to genuinely change the government. Eisenkot responded by urging voters to ignore "spin" and focus on achieving change, warning against politicians prioritizing personal interests. Benny Gantz also criticized Lieberman, suggesting his attacks stem from pressure. Yesh Atid is reportedly campaigning as the "largest party" to secure the mandate to form a government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman accused Gadi Eisenkot of seeking to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu, Goldknopp, and Der'i.
- Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's "largest party" campaign aims to secure the first rotation spot in a coalition through personal ambition.
- Eisenkot urged voters to ignore "spin" and focus on achieving change, warning against politicians prioritizing personal interests.
- Benny Gantz criticized Lieberman's attacks, suggesting they stem from pressure after his plans were exposed.
- Yesh Atid is reportedly shifting strategy to campaign as the "largest party" to ensure Eisenkot receives the mandate to form a government.
- Saul Meridor explained the "largest party" strategy is to prevent Netanyahu from forming a caretaker government.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, launched a sharp attack on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yesh Atid, accusing him of aiming to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu, Goldknopp, and Der'i. Lieberman asserted that Eisenkot is keeping the option of a minority government open as leverage to secure the first rotation spot in a potential coalition. He also criticized Eisenkot's stance on conscription, noting that Eisenkot had previously defined Shas as a party with broad Zionist elements.
Lieberman further claimed that Eisenkot's ambition is to emerge as the largest party in the "change bloc" to negotiate from a position of strength with Netanyahu, rather than genuinely seeking to rectify the "injustices of the draft-dodging government." He argued that Eisenkot's "largest party" campaign is designed to draw votes from within the bloc itself, contradicting agreements made by bloc leaders on September 26th.
Drawing parallels to former military leaders who entered politics, Lieberman stated that Eisenkot's political inexperience, like that of Yigal Allon, Ehud Barak, and Benny Gantz, is not a substitute for political experience, citing Yitzhak Rabin's need for time to regain political footing after his first term as prime minister.
In response, Eisenkot urged Israelis seeking change to ignore "spin" and focus on the "great victory" for Israel. He stated that his party is working to attract voters disillusioned with the current Netanyahu government, aiming for a clear majority of over 61 seats for the "change bloc." Eisenkot warned that "the people of Israel will not forgive politicians who do not rise to the occasion due to personal interests and chairs, and will prevent the replacement of the October 7th government."
Benny Gantz commented that Lieberman has accomplished less for Israel than he and Eisenkot have, suggesting Lieberman is acting out of pressure since Gantz exposed his plan for a minority government with other parties. Gantz stated Lieberman's attacks would not hide the dead end he is leading Israel toward.
News 12 previously reported that Eisenkot's party was shifting strategy to campaign as the "largest party." Senior official Saul Meridor explained this move is to ensure Eisenkot receives the mandate to form a government before Netanyahu does, preventing a scenario where Netanyahu could exploit a caretaker government. Meridor believes a significant lead for Yesh Atid could attract Likud voters, citing past instances where a large party was necessary to form a functional government.
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