Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan Clash Over Opposition Strategy and Government Formation

Tensions escalated within Israel's opposition bloc as Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, sharply criticized Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, on August 3, 2026. Lieberman urged Golan to stop making statements he believes harm the opposition's chances of forming a government, accusing him of inadvertently aiding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign. During the "Talking Revival" event hosted by Yair Balhovsky, Lieberman said, "I would be happy to praise him, if only he would be quiet. That is his greatest contribution to our victory." He condemned Golan's repeated mentions of a Palestinian state and settlement evacuations as "complete madness" that benefits Netanyahu.

Lieberman expressed confidence that the opposition bloc would achieve a significant electoral victory. He suggested that even if the bloc falls short of the necessary seats to form a government, it could supplement its numbers with defectors from Likud, provided Netanyahu is excluded. He also firmly stated that key ministerial portfolios such as defense, internal security, and justice should not be handed over to the Democratic Party, calling such a scenario "simply unacceptable."

Golan responded swiftly, accusing Lieberman of echoing Netanyahu's divisive rhetoric and undermining the opposition. He urged Lieberman to stop serving Netanyahu's smear campaign and emphasized that the Democratic Party is a legitimate part of the opposition. Golan concluded by stressing the choice facing the bloc: "We can argue now and give Netanyahu another term, or we can work together as a bloc, win, and then debate within the government. We choose victory."