Israeli Opposition Leaders Denounce Netanyahu's Election Challenge
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Israeli opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot, are strongly denouncing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's challenges to the recent election results, calling it an attack on democracy. Gideon Saar criticized the aggressive language used, while Avigdor Lieberman blamed Eisenkot for the opposition's perceived failures. The "Change Bloc" leaders are set to meet amid a political stalemate, with partial results showing Netanyahu leading.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yair Lapid accuses Netanyahu of undermining election results because he lost and is trying to dismantle democracy.
- Gadi Eisenkot describes Netanyahu's camp as being in a "last stand battle" and launching a de-legitimization attack.
- Gideon Saar criticized the "battlefield" rhetoric used against the largest party, Israel's citizens chose.
- Avigdor Lieberman blamed Gadi Eisenkot for the opposition's failure, costing them seven to eight seats.
- The "Change Bloc" leaders will meet Tuesday to coordinate strategy amid a political stalemate.
- Partial results show Netanyahu with 53 mandates and Eisenkot with 48 mandates.
Chairman of Yesh Atid, Yair Lapid, stated on Monday that the sole reason Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates are attempting to undermine election results is because they lost. Lapid characterized these actions as an effort to dismantle Israeli democracy, vowing, "We will not let this happen." He accused Netanyahu's camp of fabricating conspiracy theories and challenging democratic election outcomes that have been certified by the head of the Shin Bet, whom they appointed, and Judge Solberg, whom they elected. Lapid asserted that in a democracy, the victors form the government and the losers go to the opposition, predicting this outcome.
Lapid's remarks followed similar sentiments from Gadi Eisenkot, who described the Likud and Netanyahu as being in a "last stand battle." Eisenkot alleged a "destructive and violent de-legitimization attack" on the election results and the Central Elections Committee, calling it a direct assault on Israeli democracy and a warning of the dangers of continued Likud and Netanyahu control. He suggested this attack is a refuge for those who recognize the magnitude of their defeat and are accustomed to acting without restraint, stating, "These days are over."
Gideon Saar, Chairman of New Hope, sharply criticized Eisenkot's rhetoric, noting the battlefield-like language used to target the largest party in Israel. Saar also commented on the investigation into alleged foreign interference in the elections, specifically mentioning a Knesset member from the Joint List who reportedly received hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash, suggesting the response to such suspicions was too mild.
Adding to the internal tensions, Avigdor Lieberman, Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, criticized Eisenkot for what he called a "shameful failure" of the opposition and an "egotistical campaign" that cost them seven to eight seats in the final days. Lieberman revealed he has met with individuals from both political blocs since the election results were announced. He also commented on the situation within Netanyahu's bloc, noting that Der'i is not responding to Netanyahu and United Torah Judaism has stated they are no longer committed to the bloc.
Meanwhile, leaders of the "Change Bloc" are scheduled to meet on Tuesday at 11:30 AM in Herzliya to coordinate their moves amid the political stalemate. Partial results show Netanyahu with 53 mandates and Eisenkot with 48. The Likud had requested an urgent meeting of the Elections Committee due to suspicions of foreign interference, but Chairman Judge Noam Solberg rejected the demand, stating he lacked the authority to invalidate the results.
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