Liberman Accuses Yair Golan of Playing Into Netanyahu’s Hands Amid Political Tensions

Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, sharply criticized Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, during the "Medabrim Tekuma" conference in Ramat Hasharon. Liberman declared he would not agree to a government in which the Democratic Party controls the defense, internal security, or justice ministries, calling such a scenario "simply unacceptable." He accused Golan of repeatedly raising divisive issues like the Palestinian state and settlement evacuations, which Liberman said only benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu politically.

Liberman emphasized that while opposition parties generally agree on key issues such as the conscription law, limiting the prime minister's term, and establishing a state inquiry committee, Golan’s focus on contentious topics undermines unity. He expressed confidence that the opposition bloc will win the upcoming elections and suggested that if additional mandates are needed to form a government, they could be obtained from within Likud but without Netanyahu. Liberman stated Netanyahu would not be allowed any ministerial role in his government, not even in regional cooperation.

In an interview with the Knesset Channel, Liberman reiterated his view that Golan effectively works for Netanyahu’s propaganda efforts by emphasizing divisive topics instead of uniting the opposition. Golan responded on X (formerly Twitter), urging Liberman to stop serving Netanyahu’s incitement campaign and calling for the opposition to unite, win the elections, and only then debate their disagreements. "We choose victory," Golan said, rejecting Liberman’s accusations.

This exchange highlights growing tensions within Israel’s opposition ahead of elections, with Liberman warning against policies he sees as aiding Netanyahu’s political survival and Golan pushing back against what he calls divisive rhetoric.