Former Defense Minister Liberman Blasts Current Defense Minister Katz Over Social Media Video and Cabinet Remarks

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman sharply criticized current Defense Minister Israel Katz following a controversial video Katz posted on social media and statements made in the security cabinet against Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. In a radio interview on August 11, 2026, Liberman said Katz should have been fired immediately, accusing him of undermining the Israel Defense Forces and damaging Israel's international standing. Liberman stated, "This is not a defense minister who cares about security, but one acting solely for the sake of the Likud primaries." He condemned the political backing Katz received despite attacks on the Chief of Staff, whom Katz himself appointed.

Liberman also called for cutting all benefits and support for draft dodgers, emphasizing that without equal burden-sharing, there can be no victory on the battlefield or economic growth. He criticized the current government coalition of Goldknopf, Deri, and Netanyahu for harming soldiers and the country’s future.

Meanwhile, the Likud party announced that Katz will be placed on the party list without needing to compete in the upcoming primaries, alongside ministers Gideon Sa’ar and Haim Katz. This decision, made just a week before the primaries, is intended to allow Katz to focus on security matters rather than politics. Sa’ar’s placement is part of a union agreement with his party, and Haim Katz is secured a spot as party center chairman. The Likud party defended Katz’s reserved spot by stating he was expected to be near the top of the list and that the party’s internal court approved the move to enable him to concentrate on defense duties.