Avigdor Lieberman Calls to Cancel 12th Grade Amid Economic and Security Crises in Israel
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, sharply criticized the Israeli government's handling of the country’s security, political, and economic challenges during a recent interview at the Calcalist and Mizrahi Tefahot Growth Conference. He warned that Israel is transitioning from a severe security disaster on October 7 to a major political and economic crisis, citing the expected loss of billions in Horizon research funding and $3.8 billion annually in U.S. military aid. Lieberman highlighted the heavy financial burden of state debt interest payments, which reach 50 billion shekels, and pointed to widespread corruption in the construction sector, with 87% of contractors reportedly paying protection money. He stressed that ongoing violence, including five murders in ten hours, is being ignored as the government prioritizes increasing budgets for religious institutions and coalition spending, creating an anti-investment climate.
Lieberman criticized the Finance Ministry’s internal discussions about mandatory war loans, tax hikes, and increased National Insurance payments, warning that the National Insurance Institute is nearing bankruptcy with a 220 billion shekel debt. He accused the government of prioritizing coalition survival over national security, citing the recent death of a soldier in Lebanon and the controversial "draft evasion" legislation. To address systemic issues, Lieberman proposed dramatic structural reforms, including abolishing the 12th grade in schools to save time and money, redirecting that year to preparing youth for military, civilian service, work, or academia, and cutting funding for political education and exemptions.
He also called for merging redundant government bodies, such as the Civil Service Commission and salary supervisor, and municipal consolidations like Haifa and Nesher. On defense, Lieberman demanded a fixed defense budget at 8% of GDP for the next decade to ensure long-term military planning. Regarding cost of living and housing, he urged coordinated multi-ministry planning to unlock land, increase housing supply, and improve infrastructure. On military service, he emphasized expanding the small active reserve base and enforcing universal conscription for all ethnic groups, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians, with strict penalties for draft evasion, such as loss of benefits and travel restrictions. He cited a successful 2003 pilot program that cut welfare payments to draft evaders and boosted employment among Haredi men.
Lieberman concluded by calling for a Zionist, national government to replace the current sectoral coalition, which he said neglects the country’s broader needs. On a personal note, he described his family’s religious tolerance and the challenges faced by reservists’ families. He urged replacing the current government in the upcoming October elections to restore national unity and effective governance.
