Avigdor Lieberman Criticizes Netanyahu Over Gaza Aid and US Influence

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 12, 2026, at the Kerem Shalom crossing regarding the entry of aid trucks into the Gaza Strip. Lieberman accused Netanyahu of surrendering Israel's security decision-making independence to the United States, claiming that Israel cannot make any moves without US coordination. He described the current situation as a "bankruptcy" and said it is worse than the circumstances before the October 7 massacre.

Lieberman alleged that 20% of the goods entering Gaza via aid trucks end up in the hands of Hamas, and that Netanyahu's approval to transfer $400 million to Gaza results in 40% of that money benefiting Hamas's military wing. He also claimed that the aid process forces Israeli suppliers to purchase goods primarily from Turkey, which facilitates Hamas's money laundering activities there.

Highlighting the construction of a US military base in Israel, Lieberman argued this demonstrates Netanyahu's loss of autonomy in security matters. He concluded by stating that the current government has no legitimacy, emphasizing that Israel was never in such a dependent position even before October 7. Lieberman’s comments reflect deep political tensions over Israel’s handling of Gaza aid and its relationship with the United States.