Yossi Ahimeir Urges Avigdor Lieberman to Adopt National Unity Ahead of Israeli Elections

Yossi Ahimeir addressed an open letter to Avigdor Lieberman, expressing long-standing respect but sharply criticizing Lieberman's attacks on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox community. Ahimeir recalled their rare meetings and Lieberman's frequent references to the legacy of Ze'ev Jabotinsky, highlighting Lieberman's rise from humble beginnings to a prominent right-wing politician and minister. Despite Lieberman's efforts to broaden his appeal beyond Russian-speaking voters ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, Ahimeir noted that polls show his party, Yisrael Beiteinu, stagnating at eight to ten seats.

Ahimeir questioned Lieberman's insistence on being the opposition's candidate for prime minister, pointing out the unlikelihood of success given his current standing and the ambitions of other political figures like Gadi Eizenkot and Naftali Bennett. He criticized Lieberman's obsessive campaign against Netanyahu, including harsh accusations and inflammatory language, urging him to adopt a more statesmanlike tone.

Ahimeir also condemned Lieberman's harsh rhetoric against the ultra-Orthodox community, describing some statements as bordering on antisemitism and calling them a stain on his record. He urged Lieberman to reconsider his political strategy and consider joining a national unity government composed of Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu, and other centrist forces, even if it means not becoming prime minister. Ahimeir concluded with a call for Lieberman to prioritize national unity over factionalism, invoking the spirit of Tel Hai as a symbol of collective strength.