Israeli Opposition Feuds Amid Election Campaign

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 draw votes from within their own bloc rather than attract new voters, suggesting a calculated plan to partner with Likud. He cited statements from 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 Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), 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 draftees to defer service, while Yisrael Beiteinu demands universal conscription. Lieberman reiterated his party's refusal to join any government reliant on Arab parties, directly stating they would not participate in a coalition supported by the United Arab List or the Joint List, whether directly or indirectly.

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz defended Eisenkot, asserting that Lieberman had achieved less for Israel in 30 years than Eisenkot and himself had. Gantz suggested Lieberman's attacks stemmed from anxiety over his own political situation. He called for a broad Zionist unity government, stating that only his party could achieve this.

Eisenkot responded to Lieberman's criticisms by urging Israelis seeking change to ignore media maneuvers and focus on the upcoming election, just 11 days away. He described the election as pivotal for Israel's future and called for restraint and focus on achieving a "great victory." Eisenkot emphasized his goal of securing a clear majority for the "change bloc" and replacing the current leadership responsible for the October 7th events. He warned that the public would not forgive politicians prioritizing personal interests over the nation's, especially those hindering the replacement of the current government.