Israeli Opposition Feuds: Lieberman Slams Eisenkot, Gantz Defends Him

Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, launched a sharp attack on fellow Member of Knesset Gadi Eisenkot, accusing him of aiming to form a government with Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties after the upcoming elections. Lieberman claimed Eisenkot's "largest party" campaign was designed to poach votes from within the opposition itself, not attract new voters. He suggested Eisenkot's actions indicated a plan to join a coalition with the Likud party, citing statements by Minister Miki Zohar, an initiative by President Isaac Herzog, and White House leaks as evidence supporting his concerns.

Lieberman also criticized Eisenkot's stance on the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men, arguing it would perpetuate their exemption from military service. He recalled Eisenkot previously describing the Shas party as having "very broad Zionist components" and noted that Eisenkot's proposed plan would allow up to 3% of the conscription-eligible age group to defer service, while Yisrael Beiteinu demands universal conscription.

Furthermore, Lieberman declared that his party would not join any government relying on Arab parties, whether directly or indirectly, stating, "Yisrael Beiteinu will not be part of" a coalition dependent on the United Arab List or the Joint List, specifically mentioning Ofer Cassif and Hisham Hijazi. He attributed Eisenkot's political maneuvering to personal ambition rather than a genuine desire to rectify the current government's failings, comparing him to former IDF chiefs of staff who entered politics.

Benny Gantz, head of the National Unity party, defended Eisenkot, asserting that Lieberman had achieved less for Israel in 30 years than Eisenkot and Gantz had. Gantz suggested Lieberman's attacks stemmed from anxiety after his plan for a minority government with Naftali Bennett and Arab parties was revealed. He concluded that only National Unity could form a cross-bloc Zionist government of national unity.

Responding to Lieberman's criticism, Eisenkot urged Israelis seeking change to ignore media "maneuvers" and focus on the upcoming election, just 11 days away. He called it a "fateful election" and stressed the need for restraint and focus on achieving a "great victory." Eisenkot stated his goal was to secure a clear majority for the change bloc, exceeding 61 seats, to replace the current leadership responsible for the October 7th events. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead the change and assured supporters that Israel would be better in 11 days.