Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan Clash Over Palestinian State and Coalition Strategy

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, sharply criticized Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, during a "Talking Revival" event on August 3, 2026. Lieberman told Golan, "I would be happy to praise him, if only he would be quiet," accusing him of harming the opposition bloc by repeatedly raising the issue of a Palestinian state and the evacuation of settlements. Lieberman claimed these topics play into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hands.

Lieberman expressed confidence in the opposition bloc's chances in the upcoming elections, predicting a decisive victory with around 60 to 61 seats. He also suggested that if the opposition falls short, they could supplement their numbers with defectors from the Likud party, but insisted Netanyahu must not be part of any future government, not even as a minister for regional cooperation.

He firmly opposed handing over key ministerial portfolios such as defense, internal security, or justice to the Democratic Party, calling it "simply unacceptable."

In response, Golan accused Lieberman of serving Netanyahu's incitement campaign and urged him to stop echoing Netanyahu's messages that delegitimize the Democratic Party. Golan called on the opposition to unite and focus on defeating Netanyahu, saying, "We can argue later in government, but now we must choose victory."

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the opposition ahead of the elections, centering on strategy, coalition composition, and the Palestinian issue.